Lyon Overpower Arsenal to Reach Champions League Final After 4-3 Aggregate Win

Key facts

• Lyon defeated Arsenal 3-1 in the second leg of the UEFA Women's Champions League semi-final on April 27, 2024.
• The aggregate score was 4-3 in favor of Lyon after Arsenal had won the first leg 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium.
• Jule Brand scored the decisive goal for Lyon in the second half, making it 3-1 on the night.
• Lyon raced into a two-goal lead in the first half before Alessia Russo pulled one back for Arsenal.
• Arsenal boss Renee Slegers admitted Lyon were the better team across both legs.
• Lyon had Selma Bacha and Melchie Dumornay back in the starting lineup after they missed the first leg.
• Arsenal were without Beth Mead, Katie Reid, Steph Catley, Kyra Cooney-Cross, and Manuela Zinsberger for the second leg.
• Lyon will face the winner of the other semi-final between Barcelona and Bayern Munich, which is tied 1-1 after the first leg.

Lyon's Comeback Ends Arsenal's Champions League Defense

Lyon overturned a one-goal deficit to defeat Arsenal 3-1 in the second leg of the UEFA Women's Champions League semi-final, advancing 4-3 on aggregate and ending the English side's title defense. The French giants, record eight-time champions, produced a dominant performance at the Groupama Stadium to book their place in the final. Arsenal had arrived in France with a slender advantage after a 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium last week. But Lyon's intensity from the opening whistle proved too much for the visitors, as they scored twice in the first half to seize control of the tie.

Early Lyon Onslaught and Russo's Response

Lyon wasted no time asserting their authority, scoring two goals in the first half to put Arsenal on the back foot. The return of Selma Bacha and Melchie Dumornay, both described as world-class players by Arsenal boss Renee Slegers, added creativity and pace to Lyon's attack. Alessia Russo pulled one back for Arsenal, giving the visitors hope of a comeback. However, Lyon's pressure continued, and Jule Brand struck late in the second half to restore the French side's two-goal lead on the night and secure the aggregate victory.

Slegers Acknowledges Lyon's Superiority

Arsenal manager Renee Slegers was gracious in defeat, admitting that Lyon were the better team over the two legs. "Yes, Lyon were the better team," she said. "Across two legs it was two teams with styles of football that have gone against each other. Lyon raised their levels today. They came out really strong." Slegers highlighted the impact of Lyon's returning players and the fine margins that decided the tie. "It was a very tight game, small margins, it's a semi-final Champions League. It was tight, very disappointing for us of course," she added.

Disappointment in the Arsenal Camp

The Arsenal boss expressed the deep disappointment felt by the squad after coming so close to reaching the final. "It's disappointment at the moment because we were so close and we all believed we could do it, even though we went through hard times today. So when it went to 3-1, that was really tough," Slegers said. She praised her players' humility and work ethic, saying, "I spoke to a couple of players on the pitch and just said I feel gutted, they're so humble and work so hard, I wish for them all to go to a final but unfortunately this is football. A lot of disappointment in the changing room."

Team Selection and Injuries

Arsenal were forced to make changes due to injuries, with Beth Mead, Katie Reid, Steph Catley, Kyra Cooney-Cross, and Manuela Zinsberger all unavailable for the second leg. The starting XI featured Daphne van Domselaar in goal, a defense of Emily Fox, Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben-Moy, and Katie McCabe, with Kim Little and Mariona Caldentey in midfield. The attack comprised Lina Hurtig, Alessia Russo, Caitlin Foord, and Stina Blackstenius. Lyon fielded a strong lineup with Christiane Endler in goal, a back four of Ashley Lawrence, Wendie Renard, Ingrid Engen, and Sofia Svava. The midfield included Daniëlle van de Donk, Lindsey Horan, and Melchie Dumornay, while the forward line featured Kadidiatou Diani, Jule Brand, and Ada Hegerberg.

What's Next for Both Teams

Lyon will now await the winner of the other semi-final between Barcelona and Bayern Munich, with the tie finely poised at 1-1 after the first leg. The final will be held on May 25, 2024, in Bilbao, Spain. For Arsenal, attention turns to the Women's Super League, where they aim to secure European qualification for next season. The north London side recently scored seven goals against Leicester City in the league, demonstrating their attacking prowess despite the Champions League exit.

The bottom line

• Lyon advanced to the UWCL final with a 4-3 aggregate victory over Arsenal, ending the holders' title defense.
• Jule Brand's late goal was the difference, securing a 3-1 win on the night for Lyon.
• Arsenal manager Renee Slegers admitted Lyon were the better team across both legs.
• Lyon's return of Selma Bacha and Melchie Dumornay was pivotal to their performance.
• Arsenal's injury list included five key players, impacting their squad depth.
• Lyon will face either Barcelona or Bayern Munich in the final on May 25 in Bilbao.