USWNT’s Catarina Macario Scores Twice for Lyon in Women’s Champions League Semifinal

The forward led Lyon to a 3–2 win over rival PSG in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals Sunday.

LYON, France (AP) — American striker Catarina Macario scored twice to lead Lyon to a 3–2 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of its Women’s Champions League semifinal game on Sunday.

In an all-French encounter, PSG striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto opened the scoring from a tight angle in the sixth minute.

Lyon captain Wendie Renard equalized for the hosts in the 23rd by converting a penalty after goalkeeper Barbora Votikova had fouled Melvine Malard. Renard was making her 100th Champions League appearance, becoming the first woman to reach that milestone.

Macario put Lyon ahead in the 33rd by taking a pass from Ada Hegerberg before squeezing a shot past Votikova.

Macário capitalises on a mistake and scores in her fourth consecutive @UWCL game 🔥

🇬🇧 🎙 👉 https://t.co/iA8OirF2II
🇫🇷 🎙 👉  https://t.co/lcKQmDWQDd pic.twitter.com/PNQRBFbdi4

— DAZN Sport (@DAZN_Sport) April 24, 2022

Macario then capitalized on a defensive mix-up between Votikova and center back Paulina Dudek to score in the 50th for a 3–1 lead. It was her seventh goal in the competition this season.

Macario reaps the rewards after causing the PSG defence a real nuisance 😱

🇬🇧 🎙 👉 https://t.co/iA8OirF2II
🇫🇷 🎙 👉  https://t.co/lcKQmDWQDd pic.twitter.com/Pe6OVxfzVb

— DAZN Sport (@DAZN_Sport) April 24, 2022

PSG cut the lead to 3–2 in the 58th when Dudek scored from the penalty spot after Malard had handled the ball.

The second leg is on April 30.

PSG knocked out Lyon in the quarterfinals on the away goals rule last year after Lyon beat PSG in the 2020 semifinals.

Lyon is the most successful club in the competition’s history with seven titles.

Barcelona thrashed Wolfsburg 5-1 on Friday in the first leg of the other semifinal.