Arsenal completely turned the tie around in the away fixture at Groupama Stadium. An early goal gave the Gunners the momentum they needed to take control of the game and score four goals. Dumornay found the net for Lyon in the second half but it was too late to spark a comeback after an overal disapointing performance. Read our full match report here.
Match Highlights
- Wendie Renard made 500th appearance for Lyon.
- Arsenal open the scoring in the 5th minute.
- Mariona Caldentey doubled the lead before half time.
- Alessia Russo netted Arsenal’s third.
- Foord capitalized on a mistake in the back, scoring Nr. 4.
- Dumornay pulled one back for Lyon (5-3 on aggregate).
- Lotte Wubben-Moy returned from injury.
Phenomenal start for Arsenal
The first big chance of the game went to Arsenal as Foord, Russo and Kim Little linked up. The captain got a shot away, but Endler made a world-class save to deny her – though conceding a corner. The Gunners capatilized on it: Chloe Kelly’s cross reached the far post, where Maanum was waiting to head it into the back of the net. In the replay you could see it was Damaris’ header bouncing of the back of Endler and into the goal.
Lyon immediately upped the pressure to regain the lead, but Arsenal held firm, controlling the opening 15 minutes of the game. Still, an opponent like Lyon needs only one chance to get back in the game – making it a very exciting semi-final.
Caldentey doubled the lead
The match soon balanced out with opportunities for both sides. The biggest one came for Russo, who received the ball in the box with no defenders around her. However, the header went far wide.
Olympique Lyon is not playing to their usual standards and find themselves defending much more than expected. The home team was awarded a free kick in a dangerous area after Maanum fouled Dumornay. Bacha stepped up, sending her effort just over the cross bar.
Just before half time Arsenal extended their lead with a spectacular strike from Mariona Caldentey. The Spanish international received the ball from Russo and beat Endler, netting the 0-2. Lyon tried to pull one back but Van Domselaar saved Damaris’ effort.
Second Half: Arsenal cracked the code
Arsenal scoring a third in the first minute of the second half – it could not go any better for The Gunners. Caitlin Foord kept the ball alive after she and Carpenter tumbled over. Maanum picked up the ball and found Alessi Russo alone in the box. She slotted it home.
Van Domselaar denied Hegerberg from close range. It was the first bit of good action from Lyon ten minutes into the second half. Minutes later, McCabe blocked a powerful shot. Slowly, Lyon began building their momentum.
- Chawinga off for Majri
Caitlin Foord gets on the scoresheet
The visitors manage to score a fourth after a mistake in the back. Vanessa Gilles slipped, giving the ball away to Caitlin Foord. The Australian international slotted it home with confidence.
- Le Sommer and Van de Donk replaced Hegerberg and Heaps.
- Blackstenius and Mead come on for Russo and Kelly.
After the substitutions, Lyon grew in the game slightly. Earning more of the ball and pressing their way into Arsenal’s box. The team still lacked in the final third but they were not going to give up with 15 more minutes on the clock.
- Renard and Damaris made way Sombath and Marozsán.
Ten minutes remaining
Arsenal had to defend their lead with ten more minutes on the clock. Lyon completely took over as they finally found their way into the game. The home team pulled on back, giving her side a kernel of hope.
- Mariona Caldentey and Frida Maanum made way for Lotte Wubben-Moy and Kyra Cooney-Cross.
Five minutes of stoppage time were added on. In that time Lyon had to at least score two more goals. Arsenal did everything they could to slow down the play. Katie Reid was brought on for Katie McCabe.
Despite a penalty check and multiple chances for Lyon – Arsenal held firm and secured a 4-1 win (5-3 on aggregate) and proceed to the Women’s Champions League Final against FC Barcelona.
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