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Arsenal Women vs Lyon Feminino: Post-Match Review: First Leg

⚽ Arsenal Women 1–2 Lyon Women

UEFA Women’s Champions League Semi-Final (First Leg)
📍 Emirates Stadium
🗓 Saturday, April 19, 2025

🔥 Match Overview

Arsenal were edged out 2-1 by Lyon in a high-stakes Champions League semi-final clash at the Emirates, with goals from Kadidiatou Diani and Melchie Dumornay giving the French champions a slight advantage heading into the second leg in Lyon.

Despite a strong second-half showing and a well-taken penalty from Mariona Caldentey, Renée Slegers' side couldn’t quite convert their momentum into a result, and now face an uphill battle away from home to reach their first UWCL final since 2007.

🧠 First Half: Cagey but Costly

The opening 20 minutes were pretty evenly matched, with both sides feeling each other out — Arsenal looked sharp in build-up, pressing well in midfield, especially through Kim Little and Kyra Cooney-Cross, while Lyon sat deep and waited for moments to strike.

That moment came in the 17th minute when Lyon’s Kadidiatou Diani took advantage of some sluggish defending, darting between the centre-backs and slotting it past Manu Zinsberger. It was a frustrating goal to concede — the backline switched off for a second, and Lyon punished them ruthlessly.

Arsenal grew back into it. Frida Maanum tried to push higher, and Caitlin Foord was lively on the left, forcing Lyon’s full-backs to drop deeper. Right before the break, Alessia Russo nearly made it 1-1, rising high to meet a cross but smacking the crossbar with her header. That miss would prove costly.

🔄 Second Half: Shift in Gear

Renée Slegers’ halftime adjustments worked well — Arsenal started the second half with far more urgency. The tempo lifted, and Caldentey, playing from the left but constantly drifting inside, became the creative hub.

In the 76th minute, Arsenal’s pressure finally paid off. Caitlin Foord burst into the box and was brought down clumsily. No hesitation from the referee — penalty Arsenal. Up stepped Mariona Caldentey, who coolly sent Christiane Endler the wrong way. 1-1 and game on.

💔 But Then… A Sting in the Tail

Just when it looked like Arsenal might push on and grab a winner, Lyon struck again — and it was brutally efficient.

In the 82nd minute, a misplaced pass in midfield left Arsenal exposed. Lyon transitioned at lightning speed. Diani broke down the flank and picked out Melchie Dumornay, who had ghosted in unmarked and fired a low shot into the far corner.

It was a real sucker punch, especially after how dominant Arsenal had been since the break.

🔑 Key Performers

  • Mariona Caldentey – Composed, clever, and constantly trying to make things happen. Took her penalty brilliantly.

  • Kadidiatou Diani – Lethal. Always a threat in transition. One goal, one assist. Nightmare to track.

  • Melchie Dumornay – Quiet until the big moment, but showed why she’s one of the best young players in the world.

📊 Match Stats

  • Possession: Arsenal 54% – Lyon 46%

  • Shots: Arsenal 12 – Lyon 10

  • Shots on Target: Arsenal 4 – Lyon 5

  • Corners: Arsenal 6 – Lyon 3

  • Fouls: Arsenal 10 – Lyon 14

🔁 What’s Next?

The second leg will be played on Sunday, April 27, at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais. Arsenal need to win by at least one goal to take the tie to extra time — or two to progress outright.

They’ve got the players. They’ve got the belief. But it’ll take something special in France.

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