Arsenal vs Lyon live: Gunners begin Women’s Champions League defence against eight-time winners

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The Independent

·7 ottobre 2025

Arsenal vs Lyon live: Gunners begin Women’s Champions League defence against eight-time winners

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Arsenal women make history with thrilling Champions League triumph

OneFootball Video

Arsenal begin the defence of their Women’s Champions League crown in arguably the hardest way possible tonight as they take on the competition’s most successful team Lyon in a mouthwatering opener.

Renee Slegers guided the Gunners to a first European title in 18 years last term, stunning Spanish goliaths Barcelona as they eked out a 1-0 win in Lisbon, courtesy of Stina Blackstenius’ 74th-minute winner.

A new type of pressure now sits on their shoulders as they seek to retain the trophy, beginning their campaign with the mammoth test of eight-time Champions League winners Lyon, who they overcame in the semi-final on their route to triumph last term.

But while the French giants have started the 2025/26 season in formidable fashion - winning four from four and scoring 19 goals in the French top flight - Arsenal will need to find some form at Meadow Park, having drawn two and lost one in their last three outings.