Holders Arsenal fought back from under the net to secure a 2-1 first-leg advantage in the Women’s Champions League semi-final against Lyon at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners, who were aiming to win the Champions League after defeating Lyon in the last four last season, were put on the back foot by Jules Brand’s goal in the 18th minute.
However, a mistake by goalkeeper Christiane Endler led to an own goal by Ingrid Engen, and Lyon capitulated after the break, before a scramble between Endler and Engen led to Olivia Smith scoring into an empty net late on, giving the Gunners a valuable lead against France in next Saturday’s second leg.
Lyon goalkeeper Christiane Endler (right) reacts after scoring and own goal
Arsenal produced a big result against the eight-time champions to retain the title they won last season, but the defeat was Lyon’s second of the season and their first away defeat to an English team in the Women’s Champions League.
How Arsenal punished Lyon’s mistake
Lyon goalkeeper Christiane Endler (left) and teammate Ingrid Engen react as Arsenal equalize.
Lyon broke the deadlock in the 19th minute. Arsenal held the ball on the halfway line and Brand darted forward from the left, past Kim Little into the penalty area and fired a shot past Daphne van Domselaar.
The home side equalized in the 39th minute when Ford headed home from a looping cross just wide of the far post, but the Gunners were far from their best in the opening 45 minutes.
However, after the break, they looked different. In the 51st minute, Little was awarded a penalty for falling under a challenge from Wendy Leonard, but the referee, after staring at the pitchside monitor, overturned the decision, ruling that the Lyon captain had barely touched the ball.
Lyon goalkeeper Christiane Endler mishandles the ball, causing an own goal
Despite this, it didn’t take long for Arsenal to regain their footing and they conceded an equalizer in the 58th minute due to a mistake by keeper Endler.
Mariona Caldenti took a low free kick from the left, but the shot went wide of the six-yard box. Arsenal forward Stina Blackstenius appeared to dive in front of Endler, but Endler was unable to gather the ball as it spilled towards the far post. Lyon defender Engen then smashed her attempted clearance into the crates and over the line. The goal was awarded after a VAR check for a possible block by Lyon defender Renard.
Lyon forward Kadidiatou Diani’s lofted shot hit the crossbar in the 66th minute, and Endler was once again responsible for Arsenal’s late winner. Lyon’s keeper and Engen clashed as they hesitated in processing a routine backpass into the penalty area, but Smith collected the ball and slotted it into an empty net.
“Arsenal did well in the second half”
Arsenal’s Olivia Smith celebrates scoring, giving her a 2-1 lead.
SSN reporter Anton Troi said this at Emirates Stadium.
“What a great win for Arsenal. After a flat first half, Rene Slegger’s burst at the end of the second half ensured a turnaround.
“Lyon will be aiming for a chance at home, hoping to avenge their 4-1 defeat at the same stage last season.
“Arsenal came from behind to win the Champions League last season in the quarter-finals and semi-finals.
“This season is even better at this stage.”
“Collaboration during halftime team talk”
Arsenal manager Lenny Sleggers told BBC Sport:
“It’s only halftime, but if you look at the game, it went the way we wanted in many ways. There were moments in the first half where we needed to be more aggressive with our pressing, but I think we had some great solutions at halftime.”
In the half-time talk, he added: “They spend time with each other before going into the game and Kelly Smith is usually with the players as well. They have a lot of conversations and it’s all done in conjunction with the team. I thought they were great today. They put more pressure on the ball and were more clear on how they wanted to press. In the second half that’s what we did with confidence and I’d like to thank the fans as well.”
“We have a good goalkeeper and a great backline. We kept them out of the box, but we had one shot on target and conceded a corner.”
Willamson: ‘Arsenal were a team with a mission’
Arsenal defender Leah Williamson told BBC Sport:
“I wanted to come back as soon as possible to help the team. I’m happy to contribute physically and share the load.
“The first half was pretty even and we conceded some easy goals, but what you saw in the second half was a team that was on a mission, backed by the crowd.
“Giving our fans a win and rewarding their support is the best thing for us. It’s a great moment to celebrate.”
Speaking about Arsenal’s defeat against Lyon in the second semi-final last season, she added: “Last year we had a difficult task but it brought us together. I don’t think the mentality has changed that much.”
“It’s almost dangerous to compare. It looks the same, but many things are different now. Football changes very quickly. Every task is a new task.”
“Intensity will be the key. Lyon are a giant in European football and like us they have a great crowd, so we have to have an intensity that matches the situation and we have to be really clinical and defensively safe, but… we’ll see.”
