Arsenal vs Lyon LIVE: Gunners edged out in thrilling Women’s Champions League semi-final first leg | OneFootball

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Arsenal feeling the excitement ahead of UWCL semi-final

Melchie Dumornay scored an 82nd-minute winner as Lyon stunned Arsenal to win the first leg of their Women's Champions League semi-final 2-1 at the Emirates.

Mariona Caldentey had equalised for the home side four minutes prior to the eventual winner after Arsenal, who struggled to replicate the form shown in their midweek 5-1 win over Leicester, had fallen behind to Kadidiatou Diani's goal.

But after Calendtey's penalty, Lyon's front three caused further issues for Arsenal's backline and Dumornay was on hand to steal the win on foreign soil ahead of the return leg next week.

Arsenal shocked by blow they didn’t see coming in Champions League semi-finals

It was the burst of light to silence the noise of the Emirates. Arsenal had Lyon on the ropes, clawing themselves level at last through Mariona Caldentey’s penalty after subjecting the eight-time Women’s Champions League winners to an onslaught of pressure.

A 1-1 draw to take into the semi-final second leg would have been felt deserved and, if anything, Arsenal may have come away regretting their missed chances against the French champions.

But, thanks to the sensational Melchie Dumornay, Arsenal require another comeback if they are to reach their first Champions League final since 2007. The dramatic late intervention from the best young player in the world came four minutes after Caldentey’s equaliser and was the sucker-punch Arsenal did not see coming.

For Dumornay, the 21-year-old Haitian star, her surging run through the middle of Emily Fox and Steph Catley and finish over Manuela Zinsberger was the moment she properly announced her arrival on the European stage.

Read Jamie Braidwood’s full report from the Emirates:

Luke Baker19 April 2025 15:12

FULL-TIME! Arsenal 1-2 Lyon

Quite frankly, that was a brilliant, compelling game of football. Arsenal unlucky not to be heading to the second leg in Lyon next week all level but two lovely goals from Diani and Dumornay bested Caldentey’s penalty.

It will take a remarkable performance from the Gunners in France to reach the final but they showed i spells today that they’re more than capable.

Either way, it was a great way to spend a sunny Easter lunchtime at the Emirates - cracking stuff.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Luke Baker19 April 2025 14:25

Arsenal 1-2 Lyon, 85 mins

Can Arsenal dig deep and come again? That Lyon goal came out of the blue.

They bring on Victoria Pelova and Lia Walti for Foord and Russo. Ada Hegerberg is also on for Lyon.

Luke Baker19 April 2025 14:15

GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 Lyon (Mariona Caldentey, pen 78 mins)

Chloe Kelly initially takes the ball but that’s just to take any flak from the Lyon players. She hands it to World Cup winner Mariona Caldentey to actually take.