Lyon and Arsenal Set for Decisive UWCL Semi-Final Second Leg

Key facts

• Arsenal are unchanged from the first leg for the second leg away at Lyon.
• Chloe Kelly returns to the Arsenal squad after injury and is on the bench.
• Daphne van Domselaar starts in goal for Arsenal.
• Leah Williamson captains Arsenal from the back four.
• Stina Blackstenius leads the line for Arsenal.
• Lyon defender Ingrid Engen said the team has worked on improvements this week.
• Lyon faced a similar challenge against Wolfsburg one month ago and succeeded.

High Stakes in Lyon

Lyon host Arsenal in the second leg of the UEFA Women's Champions League semi-final this afternoon, with a place in the final on the line. The match at the Groupama Stadium carries the weight of a season's work for both sides, each seeking to assert dominance in European women's football. Lyon trail after the first leg, but defender Ingrid Engen expressed confidence that the team can overturn the deficit. Speaking to BBC Sport, Engen said the squad has focused on specific improvements during the week and is accustomed to such challenges.

Arsenal Name Unchanged Starting XI

Arsenal manager has opted for continuity, naming an unchanged starting lineup from the first leg. Daphne van Domselaard starts in goal, protected by a back four of Emily Fox, Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben-Moy, and Katie McCabe. In midfield, Mariona and Kim Little provide creativity, with Alessia Russo operating as the number 10. Caitlin Foord and Beth Mead (or Smith, as per the source) flank Stina Blackstenius, who leads the attack. Academy striker Mia Dixon is among the substitutes.

Chloe Kelly Returns from Injury

Chloe Kelly is back in the Arsenal squad after recovering from injury and will be available from the bench. Her return adds depth to Arsenal's attacking options, providing a potential game-changer in the second half. The full Arsenal substitutes list includes Laia Codina, Frida Maanum, Votikova, Kelly, Pelova, Hinds, Borbe, Holmberg, and Dixon.

Lyon's Familiar Challenge

Lyon defender Ingrid Engen drew parallels to a previous challenge, noting that one month ago the team faced a similar situation against Wolfsburg and succeeded. 'We know that we have to do a better game in a lot of ways and I feel like it is a challenge we are used to,' Engen told BBC Sport. Engen emphasized the importance of home support: 'We are at home, we will have a lot of fans here and it could be a very good day.' The team has spent the week working on areas that need improvement, aiming to replicate their comeback against Wolfsburg.

Leah Williamson's Leadership and New Contract

Arsenal captain Leah Williamson, who recently signed a new contract, spoke ahead of the match about the club's ambition. 'We have put ourselves in a position to be one of the top European clubs,' Williamson said, underscoring the significance of this semi-final. Williamson anchors the Arsenal defense and will be crucial in containing Lyon's attack. Her leadership on and off the pitch has been instrumental in Arsenal's campaign.

What Comes Next

The winner of this semi-final will advance to the UEFA Women's Champions League final, facing the victor of the other semi-final between Barcelona and Chelsea. For both Lyon and Arsenal, this match represents a pivotal moment in their seasons. Lyon, with their rich history in the competition, aim to reclaim European glory. Arsenal, seeking to reestablish themselves among the elite, see this as a statement opportunity. The outcome will hinge on which team can execute their game plan under pressure.

The bottom line

• Arsenal field an unchanged starting XI from the first leg, with Chloe Kelly returning from injury on the bench.
• Lyon defender Ingrid Engen expressed confidence in overturning the deficit, citing a similar comeback against Wolfsburg.
• Leah Williamson, fresh from signing a new contract, leads Arsenal as captain.
• The match is the second leg of the UWCL semi-final, with a place in the final at stake.
• Lyon rely on home support to fuel their performance, while Arsenal aim to build on their first-leg advantage.