UEFA Women’s Champions League: OL Lyonnes vs. Arsenal Second Leg Preview | OneFootball

Kickoff: 9:00am ET/6:00am PT @ Groupama Stadium, Lyon, FranceBroadcast on ESPN Deportes (Español); Streaming on Paramount+Arsenal lead series 2-1

First Leg, First Half

Arsenal began the match sprightly, moving the ball between the lines. Wubben-Moy found Russo and picked out Emily Fox in acres of space. Fox subsequently played the ball across the box to Caitlin Foord, who narrowly shot wide.

The opening stages of the game were marked by congestion in the middle of the park. Most of the play was funneled through the center, and Arsenal’s widest player, mainly Fox, was positioned on the corner of the 18-yard box.

The game’s first goal arrived after 18 minutes. Foord drifted inside from the left wing to receive a pass but was followed by Ashley Lawrence, causing her to play a rushed pass inside her own half. Lyonnes’ other fullback, Sofie Svava picked up the loose ball, played Lily Yohannes, who gave the ball to Jule Brand and with a dribble through the heart of Arsenal’s defense, coolly slotted home.   

First Leg, Second Half

At the start of the second half, the impetus of The Gunners’ attack changed from the left to the right as Emily Fox and Olivia Smith began to get on the ball more. That very combination linked up as Fox’s long run with the ball ended with Smith hitting the side netting. Arsenal heavily pressed the resultant goal kick, capitalising on a poor pass and winning a penalty; so they thought. The overturned decision was the right one.

In the 58th minute, Arsenal was awarded a free-kick. Mariona Caldentey played the ball between the wall and the congregation of players. Stina Blackstenius attempted a touch but missed. Goalkeeper Christiane Endler misjudged the ball’s flight, bobbled it and the ball dribbled over the line resulting in the equalizer.

Poor defending punished Lyonnes again in the 83rd minute. Defender Ingrid Engen attempted to shield Olivia Smith off the ball and collided with Endler. Smith was able to smash the ball into the open net for the winner.

Takeaway

Arsenal completely controlled the closing stages of this one, often finding themselves in space and able to get shots on goal. Smith took full advantage when Little and herself forced Lindsey Heaps into passing back to Ingrid Engen. The Norwegian slightly misjudged the flight of the pass, which was enough for Smith to use her pace and hand Arsenal the advantage going into the second leg.

Although possession read 50%-50%, Arsenal looked more threatening, totaling sixteen shots with five on target, compared to Lyonnes six and one on target. The lack of penetrative passes will worry Jonatan Giráldez. Lyon’s sole goal came from a high-pressure situation, something the French side does better than most but relied on too much. The all-American midfield of Lindsey Heaps, KorbIn Schrader and Lily Yohannes are technical marvels; their skillsets will be decisive in finding space and the front line come Saturday. 

Arsenal Have the Edge

The Arsenal attack was dynamic and menacing, starting with Caitlin Foord. The Australian is capable of standing up her fullback and taking her to the touchline or cutting inside and shooting. Her unpredictability will allow Katie McCabe behind her to do what she does best: attack and cross. In Mariona Caldentey and Kim Little, Arsenal have two of the best midfielders in the world. The pair brings a maturity and calmness to the side, enabling confidence in the attack.

One weakness that Lyon could profit from, however, is their pair’s attacking nature. Mariona and Little are naturally attack-minded and occasionally leave gaps, a weakness that Jule Brand exploited in the first leg. In the last ten minutes of the first leg, Mariona dropped between the centre-backs and twice played raking passes to the left-hand side, leaving Lyonnes outnumbered and out of shape; both opportunities ended with Foord testing the keeper. Renée Slegers’ ability to change tactics during the game will surely play a part in how Arsenal approach the second leg with the tie in their hands.