Melchie Dumornay scored an 82nd-minute winner as Lyon secured a crucial 2-1 advantage over Renée Slegers’ Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, April 19th.
Record eight-time champions Lyon took the lead in the 17th minute through Kadidiatou Diani. The goal was initially disallowed for offside, but a VAR review judged Arsenal’s Emily Fox to have played the French forward onside before she slotted coolly past Manuela Zinsberger.
Arsenal, roared on by a crowd of over 40,000, fought back and were awarded a controversial penalty with 15 minutes remaining. After a VAR review, referee Ionela Pesu penalized Lyon goalkeeper Christiane Endler for slight contact with Leah Williamson’s head. Mariona Caldentey, a winner with Barcelona last year, stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick to level the scores in the 77th minute.
However, parity was short-lived. Just four minutes later, Haitian star Dumornay powered between defenders Fox and Steph Catley before lifting a finish over the onrushing Zinsberger to restore Lyon’s lead.
Arsenal had chances to score more, with Alessia Russo hitting the bar with a header just before halftime, while Frida Maanum and Beth Mead also went close. Lyon goalkeeper Endler made several important saves despite conceding the penalty.
The result gives Lyon, managed by former Arsenal boss Joe Montemurro, a slender advantage heading into the second leg at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais on Sunday, April 27th. Renée Slegers’ Arsenal face a challenge to reach their first final since winning the competition (then the UEFA Women’s Cup) in 2007.
The winner of the tie will face either Chelsea or Barcelona in the final, scheduled to be played in Lisbon on May 24th.
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