Renée Slegers Rings Five Changes as Arsenal Seek to Defend Aggregate Lead Against Lyon in UWCL Semi-Final Second Leg

Key facts

• Arsenal lead 2-1 on aggregate going into the second leg.
• Renée Slegers made five changes to the starting XI from the previous WSL match.
• Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Mariona Caldentey, Caitlin Foord and Alessia Russo start.
• Chloe Kelly returns from injury and is named among the substitutes.
• Sophie Harwood drops out of the matchday squad to accommodate Kelly's return.
• Lyon's starting XI includes Wendie Renard as captain and Ada Hegerberg.
• The match is the UEFA Women's Champions League semi-final second leg.

Arsenal Ring Five Changes for Decisive Lyon Clash

Arsenal manager Renée Slegers has made five alterations to her starting lineup for this afternoon's UEFA Women's Champions League semi-final second leg against Lyon at Groupama Stadium. The Gunners carry a slender 2-1 aggregate advantage into the match. Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Mariona Caldentey, Caitlin Foord and Alessia Russo all return to the side. They replace Laia Codina, Taylor Hinds, Victoria Pelova, Smilla Holmberg and Frida Maanum, who drop to the bench. Chloe Kelly is back from injury and takes a place among the substitutes, with Sophie Harwood omitted from the squad.

Five Changes from WSL Rout

The five changes come after Arsenal's emphatic 7-0 victory over Leicester City in the Barclays Women's Super League on Wednesday. Slegers has opted to restore several key players for the European tie, prioritising experience and defensive solidity. Daphne van Domselaar retains her place in goal. The back four consists of Emily Fox, Williamson, Wubben-Moy and Katie McCabe. Kim Little captains the side from midfield alongside Mariona, with Russo operating as the number 10. Caitlin Foord and Olivia Smith provide width, while Stina Blackstenius leads the line.

Lyon's Starting XI and Substitutes

Lyon field a formidable lineup, with Christiane Endler in goal and a defence marshalled by captain Wendie Renard. The back four includes Selma Bacha, Ellie Carpenter and Kadeisha Buchanan. In midfield, Lindsey Horan partners Damaris Egurrola, while the attacking trio of Kadidiatou Diani, Ada Hegerberg and Melchie Dumornay pose a significant threat. Lyon's substitutes include Catarina Macário, Sara Däbritz and Delphine Cascarino, providing depth for the second half. Arsenal's bench features Codina, Maanum, Kelly, Pelova, Hinds and academy striker Mia Dixon.

Aggregate Lead at Stake

Arsenal hold a 2-1 advantage from the first leg, a result that puts them in a strong position to reach the final. However, Lyon's home record in the Champions League is formidable, and the French side will be confident of overturning the deficit in front of their own supporters. The Gunners have not conceded in their last two away matches in the competition, but Lyon's attack, led by Hegerberg and Diani, will test that resilience. A single goal for Lyon would level the tie on aggregate, forcing extra time or penalties.

Injury Returns and Squad Depth

Chloe Kelly's return to the matchday squad is a significant boost for Arsenal. The winger has been sidelined with injury but is now available from the bench. Her inclusion adds attacking options for Slegers in the second half. Academy striker Mia Dixon also makes the bench, highlighting the club's youth development pathway. The absence of Sophie Harwood suggests Slegers is prioritising experience and fitness for the crucial European encounter.

What Comes Next for Both Sides

The winner of this semi-final will advance to the UEFA Women's Champions League final, where they will face either Barcelona or Chelsea. For Arsenal, a victory would mark their first appearance in the final since 2007, while Lyon are seeking to add to their record eight titles. Regardless of the result, both teams have domestic commitments to fulfil. Arsenal remain in contention for the WSL title, while Lyon lead the Division 1 Féminine. The outcome of this tie could shape the remainder of their seasons.

High Stakes at Groupama Stadium

This second leg represents a pivotal moment in Arsenal's European campaign. Slegers' tactical decisions, particularly the five changes, reflect a calculated gamble to balance freshness and cohesion. Lyon, meanwhile, will rely on their home crowd and European pedigree to swing the tie. The match promises to be a tightly contested affair, with both sides possessing the quality to decide the tie. Arsenal's defensive organisation and Lyon's attacking firepower will be the key battlegrounds. The result will determine who takes a step closer to European glory.

The bottom line

• Arsenal lead 2-1 on aggregate after the first leg of the UWCL semi-final.
• Renée Slegers made five changes to the starting XI from the previous WSL match.
• Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Mariona Caldentey, Caitlin Foord and Alessia Russo start.
• Chloe Kelly returns from injury and is on the bench for Arsenal.
• Lyon's starting XI includes Christiane Endler, Wendie Renard, and Ada Hegerberg.
• The winner advances to the UWCL final against Barcelona or Chelsea.