Arsenal suffer semi-final heartbreak against Lyonnes | OneFootball

Arsenal’s hopes of reaching the Women’s Champions League final were ended after a 3-1 defeat to OL Lyonnes in France, with the hosts progressing 4-3 on aggregate.

Holding a narrow first-leg lead, the Gunners were put under pressure early on and Lyon nearly struck inside the opening minutes when Ada Hegerberg missed a clear chance at the far post.

The breakthrough came after 17 minutes when Lyon were awarded a penalty following a foul on Melchie Dumornay. Wendie Renard saw her first effort saved by Daphne van Domselaar, but the kick was retaken after the goalkeeper was judged to have moved off her line. Renard converted the second attempt.

The hosts then turned the tie around before the break. A dangerous corner caused problems in the Arsenal box and Kadidiatou Diani reacted quickest to steer home at the back post.

Arsenal responded after the interval and twice struck the woodwork through Stina Blackstenius and Olivia Smith as they searched for a way back.

Their pressure finally paid off with 15 minutes remaining. Smilla Holmberg delivered from the right and Alessia Russo finished smartly to level the tie overall.

However, Lyonnes had the final word. With four minutes left, Jule Brand finished after being played through by Dumornay. Arsenal appealed for offside, but after a lengthy VAR review the goal was awarded.

That proved decisive as Lyon booked their place in the final, while Arsenal were left frustrated by a painful exit.