Arsenal’s hopes of retaining the Women’s Champions League title were dashed as Lyon snatched a dramatic 3-1 victory in the second leg of their semi-final, winning the tie 4-3 on aggregate.
The match appeared to be heading for extra time after Alessia Russo’s 73rd-minute equaliser — later credited as an own goal by Ashley Lawrence — had levelled the scores on the night and put Arsenal ahead on aggregate. But Lyon forward Jule Brand struck in the 85th minute with a cool left-footed finish after a superb dinked pass from Melchie Dumornay. The goal survived a lengthy VAR check for offside.
Dumornay, who missed the first leg, was the standout performer, creating the winner and causing constant problems for the Arsenal defence. Lyon’s victory keeps alive their bid for a ninth Champions League title, with the final against either Barcelona or Bayern Munich set for Oslo on 23 May.
Arsenal had chances to force extra time: Beth Mead saw a shot hit the post, and Stina Blackstenius rattled the crossbar, but Lyon held firm in nine minutes of stoppage time. The Gunners’ reign as champions is over.
