Kadidiatou Diani delivered a standout performance in Lyon’s UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Bayern Munich, contributing two assists and a goal in a commanding display.
The French-Malian forward, now in her second season with OL, has firmly established herself as a key figure in the club’s European campaign.
Diani’s Decisive Impact
Diani’s influence was felt just 20 seconds after referee Iuliana Demetrescu blew the whistle to resume play, as she played a crucial role in Melchie Dumornay’s equalizer.
After a challenging first half in which Lyon struggled against a determined Bayern side seeking redemption following their first-leg defeat, Diani once again proved to be the difference-maker. She was instrumental in three of Lyon’s four goals, guiding the team back on track to secure victory.
Lyon’s European Ambitions
Following two seasons without European silverware, Lyon are determined to reclaim their dominance in the Champions League. Diani has been pivotal in their pursuit of a record-extending ninth title.
In eight appearances this season, she has registered five goals and four assists, placing her among the competition’s top scorers alongside Claudia Pina, Signe Bruun, Kayleigh van Dooren, and Mariona Caldentey. She trails only Pernille Harder and Alessia Russo, who lead the scoring charts by a single goal.
Diani’s form has been a major boost for Lyon, and her contributions have not gone unnoticed by her teammates. Reflecting on her role in the team’s success, she emphasized the importance of collective effort: “It’s a team effort. If I score, it’s also thanks to my teammates. I try to help the team as best as I can.”
Her teammate Selma Bacha echoed this sentiment, praising Diani’s ability to turn matches in Lyon’s favor: “Kadi is an exceptional player. She has proven it time and again in the Champions League. When she accelerates down the wing, she’s unstoppable.”
A Player for the Big Moments
Diani’s ability to step up when it matters most has been evident throughout the campaign.
A prime example came in Lyon’s 4-1 victory over Roma in November, where she came off the bench in the 63rd minute and turned the game on its head with two quick goals in under two minutes.
She then capped off her display by assisting Eugénie Le Sommer’s goal, showcasing her all-round attacking prowess.
Her brace against Roma was the fastest double by a player at a French club in the Champions League since Jordyn Huitema’s record in 2019.
Bouncing Back from a Challenging First Season
Diani’s current form is a stark contrast to her debut season with Lyon, which fell short of the standards she had set at Paris Saint-Germain.
In her first year at OL, she struggled to adapt after being shifted to the right wing, having previously thrived as a central forward at PSG in the absence of Marie-Antoinette Katoto.
Reflecting on her first campaign with Lyon, she admitted: “Last season could have been better. I know I could have done more. Adapting to a new club is never easy, and I wasn’t satisfied with my performances. But what matters most is bouncing back.”
Diani’s resurgence this season has firmly cemented her status as one of Lyon’s most influential players.
With the Champions League title in their sights, she will be looking to maintain her exceptional form as OL aim to reclaim their place at the top of European football.
