Arsenal Reach First Women’s Champions League Final Since 2007 After Win Over Lyon

Arsenal reached the Women’s Champions League final for the first time since 2007 after overturning a first-leg deficit. They defeated Lyon 4-1 on Sunday, securing a 5-3 aggregate win. The victory sets up a final clash with Barcelona in May.

Arsenal had trailed 2-1 after last week’s loss at the Emirates Stadium. But they equalized early in Lyon, with Damaris Egurrola’s attempted header from a corner deflecting off goalkeeper Christiane Endler into the net.

In first-half stoppage time, Mariona Caldentey gave Arsenal the lead. Her bending shot from the edge of the penalty area found the top corner, putting Arsenal ahead on aggregate.

Early in the second half, Frida Maanum’s pass found Alessia Russo, who finished calmly to make it 3-0. Arsenal sealed the win when Caitlin Foord capitalized on a defensive slip from Lyon’s Vanessa Gilles and fired the ball into the roof of the net.

Lyon managed a consolation goal in the 81st minute. Melchie Dumornay’s low shot found the back of the net, but it was too late to change the outcome.

Arsenal will now face defending champions Barcelona in the final on May 24 at Lisbon’s Jose Alvalade Stadium. Barcelona secured their place with a 4-1 win at Chelsea, advancing 8-2 on aggregate.

Historically, English teams have struggled in the Women’s Champions League. Arsenal are the first English side since Chelsea in 2021 to reach the final. Their victory in 2007 remains the only time an English team has won the competition in its 24-year history.

Analysis: Arsenal Dazzle, Lyon Defend Poorly
By The Athletic’s Melanie Anzidei

Arsenal played a brilliant game, with no single standout performer. Lyon’s own goal set the tone for their night, as their defense faltered repeatedly. Arsenal took advantage of Lyon’s mistakes and dominated the match.

Lyon missed several chances in the attacking third, and despite some hope early in the second half, they couldn’t recover. Arsenal were clearly the better team, deserving of their spot in the final.

Foord’s Thoughts: ‘It Didn’t Faze Us’

Forward Caitlin Foord, who scored Arsenal’s fourth goal, reflected on the win. She said Arsenal took confidence from their performance in the first leg, despite losing at home. “We didn’t expect such an emphatic win, but we knew we had the quality to do it,” Foord told TNT Sports.

Looking ahead to the final against Barcelona, who have won three of the last four Champions Leagues, Foord said, “It’s going to be tough. But we can’t wait to take them on.”

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