Arsenal unchanged for UWCL semi-final second leg at Lyon, Kelly returns to bench

Key facts

• Arsenal are unchanged from the first leg for the UWCL semi-final second leg away at Lyon.
• Chloe Kelly returns to the squad after injury and is on the bench.
• Daphne van Domselaar starts in goal with a back four of Emily Fox, Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben-Moy, and Katie McCabe.
• Stina Blackstenius leads the attack, supported by Caitlin Foord and Alessia Russo.
• Academy striker Mia Dixon is on the bench for Arsenal.
• Around 600 Arsenal fans are present in the stadium, with thousands of Lyon supporters waving flags.

Arsenal field unchanged XI in Lyon

Arsenal have named an unchanged starting lineup for this afternoon’s UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final second leg away at Lyon. The team, which secured a 2-1 victory in the first leg, will rely on the same eleven to defend their aggregate lead and book a place in the final. Chloe Kelly, who has been sidelined with injury, is back in the squad and will start on the bench. Academy striker Mia Dixon also earns a place among the substitutes, providing additional attacking options for manager Jonas Eidevall.

Defensive and midfield setup

Daphne van Domselaar continues in goal, protected by a back four of Emily Fox, Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben-Moy, and Katie McCabe. The defensive unit will need to contain Lyon’s potent attack, which pushed Arsenal in the first leg. In midfield, Mariona and captain Kim Little operate ahead of the defense, tasked with controlling the tempo and supplying the forwards. Little, who signed a new contract recently, will be crucial in maintaining composure under pressure.

Attacking formation and key players

Alessia Russo plays as the number 10, with Caitlin Foord and Emily Smith on the wings supporting striker Stina Blackstenius. This attacking quartet will aim to exploit any gaps in Lyon’s defense and add to Arsenal’s aggregate lead. Blackstenius, who scored in the first leg, will be a focal point. Russo’s creativity and Foord’s pace provide additional threats. The bench includes Kelly, who could make a decisive impact if called upon.

Atmosphere and fan presence

Thousands of white, red, and blue flags were left on seats for Lyon supporters, who waved them aloft as their team completed their warm-up. The atmosphere is building ahead of kick-off, with around 600 Arsenal fans situated high in the opposite stand, making their presence heard. The partisan crowd will look to spur Lyon to overturn the deficit, while Arsenal’s traveling supporters hope to witness a historic result.

Stakes and historical context

Arsenal are aiming to reach a second consecutive UWCL final, having lost to Barcelona in last year’s showpiece. A victory would cement their status among Europe’s elite, as defender Leah Williamson stated: “We have put ourselves in a position to be one of the top European clubs.” Lyon, record eight-time champions, are seeking to reclaim their throne after a period of transition. The first-leg result gives Arsenal a narrow advantage, but Lyon’s home record in the competition is formidable.

What comes next

The winner of this tie will face either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in the final. Arsenal’s unchanged lineup signals confidence in their game plan, but Lyon’s quality means the tie is far from decided. If Arsenal hold on, they will have overcome one of the toughest tests in women’s club football. If Lyon overturn the deficit, it will be another chapter in their storied European history.

The bottom line

• Arsenal are unchanged from the first leg, with Chloe Kelly returning from injury on the bench.
• The Gunners defend a 2-1 aggregate lead in Lyon’s hostile home environment.
• Daphne van Domselaar starts in goal behind a back four of Fox, Williamson, Wubben-Moy, and McCabe.
• Stina Blackstenius leads the attack, supported by Russo, Foord, and Smith.
• Around 600 Arsenal fans are present among thousands of Lyon supporters waving flags.
• The winner advances to the UWCL final against Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain.