McCabe: "We have to hold onto that belief"

Whilst we fell to a narrow loss in the first leg of the UEFA Women's Champions League semi-final against Lyon, Katie McCabe believes our squad can turn the tie around next weekend.

Speaking pitchside after the full-time whistle, our defender gave her assessment of the rollercoaster defeat and what it would take next weekend in France. 

"We knew Lyon were going to pose a lot of threats. They’ve got a lot of quality in quite a lot of areas," said McCabe. "For us, it was about nullifying that, but also concentrating on what we can bring going forward. At times, we created some really good chances. It was just about getting the ball over the line.

"In the second half, I thought we responded really well, coming out and getting the equaliser. But at this level, we can’t concede again so quickly afterwards."

Our Gunners' recent comeback against Real Madrid in the quarter-finals should prove valuable as we chase the tie. 

"We have to hold onto that belief. We’ve got a fantastic squad of players and a lot of experience. We’ll be very determined to get to work this week and turn it around over in Lyon."

"The experiences as a team that we go through together and obviously, we were on the positive end of that against Real Madrid. For us, we need to concentrate on doing the basics right and hanging onto the belief that we can get through."

Over 40,000 supporters were in attendance for the atmospheric tie at Arsenal Stadium, and McCabe is hopeful for similarly fantastic away support next weekend. 

"From the first whistle, we heard them. Every step of the way, they pushed us. Before the equaliser, they helped us gain momentum in the game, which was unbelievable. We’re going to need that support from our fans next week in Lyon. 

"I know we’ve always got fantastic support, especially away in the Champions League. They’re going to be so important for us next week again."