Arsenal Women vs Lyon Feminino : 10 Takeaways 📝

Arsenal Women fell 2-1 to Lyon in the first leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final at the Emirates Stadium on April 19, 2025. Despite a spirited second-half performance, the Gunners now face an uphill battle in the return leg.

Here are 10 key takeaways from the match:

⚽ 1.

Lyon’s Clinical Edge

Lyon capitalized on their chances with goals from Kadidiatou Diani and Melchie Dumornay, showcasing their efficiency in front of goal.

🔄 2.

Arsenal’s Second-Half Resurgence

After a subdued first half, Arsenal improved markedly post-break, increasing possession and creating more opportunities.

🎯 3.

Missed Opportunities

Despite their dominance in possession, Arsenal struggled to convert chances, with several shots off target and two hitting the crossbar.

🧠 4.

VAR’s Impact

A VAR review awarded Arsenal a penalty, converted by Mariona Caldentey, highlighting the technology’s influence on crucial decisions.

🧱 5.

Lyon’s Defensive Resilience

Lyon’s defense, led by goalkeeper Christiane Endler, withstood Arsenal’s pressure, especially in the second half.

🧠 6.

Montemurro’s Tactical Mastery

Former Arsenal coach Joe Montemurro guided Lyon to a disciplined performance, leveraging his familiarity with the Gunners.

👥 7.

Depth in Lyon’s Squad

Lyon’s strength in depth was evident, with star striker Ada Hegerberg remaining on the bench, underscoring their wealth of talent.

📈 8.

Statistical Dominance Not Enough

Arsenal ended the game with 58% possession and more touches in the opposition box but couldn’t translate this into a win.

🏟️ 9.

Strong Home Support

A crowd of over 40,000 at the Emirates provided robust support, reflecting the growing interest in women’s football.

🔄 10.

Second Leg Challenges

Arsenal must overturn the deficit in the return leg in France, a daunting task against a seasoned Lyon side.

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