Lyon secured a 2-1 win over Arsenal in the first leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League semifinal at the Emirates after the Gunners struggled to contain the visitors’ ruthless attack — but it’s all still to play for in the second leg next weekend.
The visitors struck early through Kadidiatou Diani, breaking the deadlock in the 16th minute. It was a sloppy start from the hosts who couldn’t contain the pacey and unrelenting attack that the eight-time winners of the competition hold.
With an improved second half performance, Arsenal squandered several big chances, lacking a clinical edge in front of goal before Beth Mead was awarded a penalty through VAR, drawing a foul from visiting goalkeeper Christiane Endler, which Mariona Caldentey – who won the Champions League last season with Barcelona, beating Lyon 2-0 – dispatched from the spot.
Within minutes, Lyon’s fast counterattack restored their lead as Melchie Dumornay once again beat the back line and slotted home past Manuela Zinsberger.
Arsenal overcame a 2-0 deficit to beat Real Madrid in the quarterfinals and will again have to mount a fightback when they travel to Parc Olympique Lyonnais on Sunday, April 27 for the second leg.
