a 2-0 aggregate win over Fortuna Hjorring, to set up a mouth-watering clash with the reigning title holders.
The two-legged encounter will be the Blues’ biggest test to date – but Houghton is relishing the prospect.
“Everyone’s delighted,” she declared. “Of course, we want to be in this competition.
“It’s the first time we have been in it and we’re in the semi-finals. You can see what it means.
“We’re excited to move on to the semi-finals. Lyon are experienced and they have world-class individuals but so have we. It’s going to be an exciting game for sure.
“We know it’s going to be a tough test. We have so much we can still improve on and it’s refreshing to know we can still do that. We’re up for the challenge and we really believe in this football club.”
Reflecting on the triumph over Fortuna, Houghton expressed her pride in the team’s strength and spirit.
“Knowing we had a 1-0 advantage in the first leg, we wanted to be the first to score,” she explained.
“We are dangerous on set pieces and we proved that again. Lucy [Bronze] always pops up with an important goal. It gave us a little more confidence.
“We’ve had a hectic two weeks – four games in 12 days but the squad has coped with it really well.
“Over the next few days, we’ll get chance to rest. We want to be playing in as many games as we can for as many 90 minutes as we can.
“We have strength in depth and can utilise the players we have. We have players that may be a little frustrated with their lack of playing time but everyone has done their job.”
Pep Guardiola was amongst the record-breaking crowd at the Academy Stadium – a fact which Houghton believes is symbolic of City.
“That says everything about this football club,” she stated. “No matter what the team, everyone supports each other.”
