Lyon errors gift Arsenal win in Champions League semi-final | OneFootball

Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo

Two goalkeeping mistakes from Chile international Christiane Endler gifted Arsenal two goals and a 2-1 victory in their UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final against Lyon at the Emirates on Sunday.

First, a free kick in to the box from Mariona Caldentey flew across the face of goal just before the hour mark, and with Stina Blackstenius lurking, Endler failed to claim the ball, which squirmed underneath her.

Ingrid Engen raced back to attempt to hook the ball away but could only help the ball over the line as she fell into the net.

Then eight minutes from time, Endler came off her line but failed to claim an off-radar backpass from Lindsey Heaps. The goalkeeper subsequently got into a knot with Engen as they both tried to clear it, and Olivia Smith took advantage of the chaos to slot the ball home.

Smith had been lively throughout the match and Lyon had worked hard to keep her as muted as possible.

“At the end of the day, a goal is a goal and I’m happy to contribute to the team,” Smith told broadcasters Disney+ afterwards, admitting that she thought the goalkeeper would claim the ball but she never gives up hope when there is a goalscoring chance.

She added: “It did take a bit of time to find my feet, but I’m confident where I am.”

Jule Brand had put Lyon ahead in the first half.

The second leg takes place next Saturday, kicking off at 2pm UK time.

Arsenal welcome back Leah Williamson

Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers had named a team that included Leah Williamson, en route back from injury.

She played just over two-thirds of the game before being replaced by Taylor Hinds.

The Gunners were without Chloe Kelly, with a small muscle injury, and Beth Mead, absent due to personal reasons.