📍 London — April 20, 2025
Lyon secured a crucial 2-1 away victory over Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Saturday, taking a major step toward reaching another UEFA Women’s Champions League final. Early clinical finishing from Kadi Diani and Melchie Dumornay handed the French giants the advantage heading into the second leg.
Diani and Dumornay Shine as Lyon Punish Arsenal’s Mistakes
Lyon wasted no time asserting control. Kadi Diani opened the scoring in the 16th minute, finishing a sweeping move that began deep in their own half. After a quick transition, right-back Ellie Carpenter picked out Diani with a precise ball. Although initially flagged for offside, VAR review overturned the decision, confirming Arsenal defender Emily Fox had kept Diani onside.
Arsenal managed to equalize briefly through a Mariona Caldentey penalty, awarded after Lyon goalkeeper Christiane Endler fouled in the box. Caldentey converted confidently, sending Endler the wrong way to bring the Gunners level.
However, Lyon’s response was immediate and devastating. Just minutes later, Amel Majri led a counterattack and released Melchie Dumornay, who burst past Steph Catley and Emily Fox before beating Arsenal goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger with a composed finish.
Lyon’s clinical early strikes ultimately decided the match, despite Arsenal’s late efforts to find an equalizer.
Arsenal Struggle to Break Lyon’s Structure
Following the two first-half setbacks, Arsenal controlled much of the possession but found it difficult to penetrate Lyon’s compact and disciplined defensive shape. Vivianne Miedema and Caitlin Foord both had half-chances, but Lyon’s backline remained organized and limited Arsenal’s clear opportunities.
Manager Jonas Eidevall’s side will now need to produce a strong away performance in the second leg to overturn the deficit.
Key Moments
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16th Minute: Kadi Diani scores after a quick transition, goal confirmed by VAR.
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Penalty Goal: Mariona Caldentey converts to make it 1-1.
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Immediate Response: Melchie Dumornay restores Lyon’s lead on the counterattack.
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Late Pressure: Arsenal dominate possession but fail to break down Lyon’s defense.
What’s Next
The second leg will be played at Groupama Stadium in Lyon, where Arsenal must win by at least two goals to advance outright. A one-goal Arsenal win would force extra time.
Lyon, chasing their ninth Women’s Champions League title, will look to defend their advantage and close out the tie on home soil.
