Emmanuel LANGELLIER, Media365: published on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 09h47
Swept by Lyon (0-8) in the semi-final of the Arkéma Women’s League, Nantes put up a good fight in the first half on Saturday at the Groupama Stadium.
The Arkéma Women’s League will once again be played this year between Lyon and Paris. Parisians, yes, but those of Paris FC this time, who managed to outshine PSG (1-0) on Saturday evening thanks to a goal by Hawa Sangaré in the final minutes (88th). The teammates of Clara Mateo will now face OL Lyonnes who will try to secure a 19th national title on May 29 in their Groupama Stadium.
“It’s quite rare to make Lyon run,” said coach Nicolas Chabot. The Lyonnes took time to dominate Nantes. The score was 0-0 at halftime. Chabot wanted to “do what no one has succeeded in doing this season.” His players valiantly resisted in the first half, something he was quick to point out. “To me, the first half was incredible. There were moments when we were down and then we pushed back. We didn’t play well in the aerial duels, but we managed to play, have some sequences and possession. It’s quite rare to make Lyon run,” Chabot praised.
Then the Lyon storm overtook everything (8-0)… “Lyon came back with very strong intentions in the second half. Once the steamroller started, we were no longer in the game. We had given too much energy in the first half. 8-0 hurts a lot, even against one of the best teams in Europe, but we won’t forget this historic season for the club,” said Louise Fleury on Canal + Foot.
Despite finishing 4th in the standings, Nantes ended the championship with their heads held high. “Hats off to the players for the first half they put in. I will remember the success of the season. It’s the culmination of a 3-year club project where marketing and sports have worked hand in hand with a management that has not let us down. It’s all the components of a club that allow you to exist for 45 minutes, here, against Lyon,” praised Nicolas Chabot, who could leave for Marseille or Spain this summer.
