Melchie Dumornay’s strike handed Lyon a narrow 2-1 win over Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
The Gunners, seeking their first European title since lifting the trophy in 2007, were dealt an early setback when Kadidiatou Diani gave the visitors the lead in the 17th minute. Initially flagged offside, Diani’s goal was eventually awarded after a VAR review showed Emily Fox had narrowly played her onside before the France international coolly slotted past Manuela Zinsberger.
Read Also: X-raying the six highest-paid players in women’s football (2025)
Spurred on by a raucous home crowd, Arsenal pushed for a response and were given a lifeline in the 75th minute. VAR intervened again, advising referee Ionela Pesu to review a collision between Lyon goalkeeper Christiane Endler and Leah Williamson. After checking the pitchside monitor, Pesu awarded a penalty.
Mariona Caldentey, a Champions League winner with Barcelona last season, stepped up and converted from the spot to level the tie, igniting wild celebrations at the Emirates.
However, the joy was short-lived. Just four minutes later, Dumornay surged past Fox and Steph Catley before lifting her shot over the onrushing Zinsberger to restore Lyon’s lead.
The return leg will be held at Parc Olympique Lyonnais on 27 April. The winner of the tie will face either Chelsea or Barcelona in the final in Lisbon on 24 May.
