Why Daphne van Domselaar is looking forward to Arsenal Champions League semi-final v Lyon | OneFootball

Daphne van Domselaar

Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar says she is looking forward to stepping out on to the Emirates pitch on Sunday as the Gunners face Lyon in the first leg of their UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final.

The Netherlands international missed out on the first leg last season against the same opponent at the same stage due to injury.

“I’m looking forward to it so, so much,” van Domselaar told the official Arsenal website. “It’s a bit of like a throwback to last season, of course, playing Lyon again in the semi-final. We made some good memories away and being home as well with all the fans. I’m really looking forward to getting a win and to put us in a good position for the second semi-final and hopefully the final in the end.

“I was in the stands for the first game last season. I was injured but being able to play the second game, being there with the team was a big thing for me personally and being able to put on such a good performance.”

Daphne van Domselaar: I’m ready for busy schedule

Arsenal will play a minimum of seven matches over the next month – eight, if they reach the Champions League final.

But van Domselaar says she is ready for the hard work to begin, adding that a busy schedule is what comes alongside success.

“We’ve got important games in the league as well and being able to play for the final in the Champions League is a big thing and a big achievement and we know what we’ve got to do and I’m just looking forward to end the season well and make a good result in the Champions League,” she said. “So, a lot of games but I’ll be ready for it.”

Arsenal face Lyon in the first leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final on Sunday, kicking off at 3.30pm UK time.

They will be without both Beth Mead and Steph Catley.