In a thrilling encounter at the Emirates Stadium, Olympique Lyonnais (OL) secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of the Women’s Champions League semi-finals on April 19, 2025. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing the resilience and skill of the Lyon team, who are aiming for their ninth title in this prestigious tournament.
Kadidiatou Diani opened the scoring for Lyon in the 17th minute, finishing a swift counterattack with a precise shot that left Arsenal's goalkeeper, Manuela Zinsberger, with no chance. Diani's goal set the tone early on, giving OL a solid foundation to build upon as they aimed to capitalize on their attacking prowess.
However, Arsenal, known for their attacking flair, responded with determination throughout the match. They controlled the ball for significant stretches, boasting 58% possession. The Gunners’ pressure finally paid off in the 78th minute when Mariona Caldentey converted a penalty, awarded after a controversial decision against Lyon's goalkeeper, Christiane Endler, who was deemed to have fouled an Arsenal player in the box. This equalizer sent a wave of concern through the Lyon camp, as it seemed the momentum had shifted.
But just four minutes later, in the 82nd minute, Melchie Dumornay stepped up to restore Lyon’s lead. Following a well-executed build-up involving Amandine Majri and Ada Hegerberg, Dumornay found space in the Arsenal box and unleashed a powerful shot that sealed the victory for OL. This goal marked Dumornay's fifth in the Champions League this season, further solidifying her status as a key player for Lyon.
The match was a testament to Lyon's defensive organization, especially in the first half when they managed to withstand Arsenal's attacking waves. Despite enduring long periods of pressure, Lyon's defense held firm, with Endler making crucial saves and the backline effectively neutralizing Arsenal's threats. The Gunners did hit the woodwork twice, with Alessia Russo's header striking the post just before halftime, but Lyon's resilience proved decisive.
As the final whistle blew, OL celebrated their hard-fought victory, knowing they had taken a significant step towards the final. The return leg is scheduled for April 27, 2025, at Groupama Stadium, where Lyon will look to maintain their advantage and secure their place in the final.
Looking ahead, Lyon’s focus will also shift to their upcoming domestic match against FC Nantes in the Arkema Première Ligue, set for April 23, 2025. With the Champions League semi-final on the horizon, OL aims to balance their efforts across competitions as they chase glory on multiple fronts.
In conclusion, this victory at the Emirates is more than just a scoreline; it’s a statement from a team that has dominated women’s football for over a decade. As they prepare for the second leg, the Lyon players will undoubtedly carry the confidence from this performance, hoping to finish the job next week.
