Arsenal crash out of Women’s Champions League after Lyon fightback
Lyon 3-1 Arsenal (agg 4-3): The Gunners led 2-1 following the first leg but their title defence was ended at the semi-final stage after an impressive performance from the French side
Arsenal ’s Women’s Champions League defence ended in heartbreak as Lyon overturned a first-leg deficit to reach the final with a 3-1 win at Groupama Stadium. A twice-taken penalty from captain Wendie Renard and a Kadidiatou Diani volley in the first half put the French side ahead in the tie but the Gunners hit back through Alessia Russo . Olivia Smith also hit the woodwork in a strong second-half showing by the holders but Jule Brand secured a 4-3 aggregate success with a well-taken goal four minutes from time.
Renee Slegers’ side, leading 2-1 after the first leg in London, paid the price for a slow start. Lyon should have scored inside two minutes but Ada Hegerberg failed to make clean contact with Diani’s inviting ball after a surging run. Arsenal had an early chance when Kim Little’s effort from a corner was blocked by Selma Bacha but soon had another let-off.
With seven minutes gone Lindsey Heaps headed home from a Bacha corner, but the goal was ruled out for offside against Ingrid Engen, who was in front of goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar. Lyon took the lead in the 21st minute from a re-taken penalty after Melchie Dumornay was tripped by Lotte Wubben-Moy. Wendie Renard gave Lyon the lead from the penalty spot (AP) Jule Brand grabbed the winner late on (Getty) Renard’s first effort was saved by Van Domselaar but replays showed the keeper had moved off her line.
Renard kept her composure to score at the second attempt. Lyon doubled their lead nine minutes before half-time through a superb finish by Diani, who volleyed home from a tight angle following a Brand corner. Arsenal rallied after the break and a clever free-kick released Russo but she shot across goal.