How Arsenal turned Lyon battle around to stand on brink of another Champions League final

There is something about the Women’s Champions League , at this time of year, that kicks Arsenal into life. Trailing a physical Lyon side 1-0 in the first leg of the semi-finals at the Emirates, it was as if they remembered it. It wasn’t always convincing, but that is not always Arsenal’s style, either.

Turning the tie around, though, and in such commanding style, illustrated a mentality and an ability to solve problems on the ptich that has brought the defending champions to the brink of second Champions League final in a row. Avoid defeat in France next week and Arsenal will be heading to Oslo to either face Barcelona, in a rematch of last year’s final, or Bayern Munich. The semi-finals last season were a reminder of how quickly things can change – Arsenal had lost 2-1 to Lyon here at this stage last campaign, only to advance thanks to a 4-1 victory away from home – but under Renee Slegers this team exudes the belief of a side who know they can get it done.

“You saw a team on a mission,” said the fit-again Leah Williamson. They did not panic after falling behind to Lyon after 19 minutes, as Jule Brand stepped past Kim Little and fired the visitors in front. Arsenal responded with a dominant performance, even if their goals were gifted by Lyon mistakes.

Mariona Caldeney and Olivia Smith profited from two defensive errors, both involving the experienced goalkeeper Christiane Endler. Apart from a Kadiatou Diani shot that crashed against the underside of the bar at 1-1, Lyon offered very little and Arsenal could regret not finishing off their opponents. Caldentey’s free-kick snuck past goalkeeper Endler and Engen (PA) It could have been worse for the visitors when Wendie Renard caused Little to crash into the ground in the box and the referee Desiree Blanco pointed to the spot.