Arsenal begin Champions League defence with defeat | OneFootball

Two defensive errors cost Arsenal dear against OL Lyonnes after Alessia Russo had put the reigning champions ahead.

The Gunners came into this game without a win in their last three outings, having suffered defeat to Manchester City at the weekend on the back of two draws.

But Renée Slegers' side began the game brightly and took the lead in the seventh minute when Beth Mead did well to set Alessia Russo away with the striker doing the rest.

Two costly errors turned the game around for OL Lyonnes in the space of just five minutes with Melchie Dumornay scoring both goals for the French side.

First, Daphne van Domselaar's misplaced pass went straight into the path of Dumornay. The goalkeeper did well to save the first shot but the Haiti international was able to pounce on the rebound in the 18th minute.

Arsenal seemed to lack confidence playing out from the back against the Lyonnes press. This time Van Domselaar managed to find Mariona Caldentey. However, Lindsey Horan was there to intercept before the ball broke to Dumornay who whipped in a superb effort from the edge of the area.

There was no Arsenal fight back in the second half with OL Lyonnes looking far more likely to add to their lead than the home side were to equalise.

This result means that Arsenal begin their Champions League campaign with a defeat and it is the first time since the 2020/21 season that they have gone four games in a row without a win in all competitions.