There's still all to play for in the UEFA Women's Champions League semi-final, as we look to overturn a narrow deficit in the decisive second leg against Lyon.
The eight-time champions have a one-goal advantage in the tie, but our Gunners are no stranger to a dramatic European comeback and head to the Groupama Stadium with plenty of belief.
last time out
Round one at Arsenal Stadium narrowly went Lyon's way last weekend as the evenly matched fixture finished 2-1 to the French side.
The visitors took an early lead through French forward Kadidiatou Diani, after an initial offside decision was overturned by VAR, but Renée Slegers' team fought their way back into the match in the second half.
Mariona Caldentey converted from the spot after goalkeeper Christiane Endler was judged to have fouled Leah Williamson in the box. However, a rapid-fire breakaway from Melchie Dumournay restored Lyon's advantage just four minutes later and our Gunners were unable to find a response.
HISTORY OF COMEBACKS
As fate would have it, our last trip to the Groupama Stadium produced a result for the ages as we defeated the reigning European champions 5-1 in the Champions League group stages.
We took a 2-0 lead in Lyon through Caitlin Foord and Frida Maanum, before Melvine Malard pulled one back for the hosts before the half-hour mark. That goal proved a false dawn, however, as Beth Mead went on to bag a brace alongside Foord in the second half, completing a famous night for our Gunners.
The road to Lisbon
In the other semi-final, Chelsea were left with a mountain to climb as title holders Barcelona inflicted a 4-1 defeat on them in Spain. Ewa Pajor, Claudia Pina and Irene Paredes were all on the scoresheet for Barca, whilst Sandy Baltimore provided a lifeline for the Blues with her second-half strike.
The two teams met in last year's semi-final, where Barcelona ran out 2-1 winners on aggregate and went on to clinch the trophy over Lyon. The second leg takes place at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, April 27 at 2pm (UK).
The winners of both semi-finals will meet in Lisbon on Sunday, May 25.
What the managers say
Slegers: "We've had a seven-day turnaround, which we barely have, so that's been good for us. Of course, the first two days are about reviewing and recovering, and that's what we've done. And then in the middle of the week, we've trained hard, we've worked hard. And we've tried to work on all the details together with the team that we want to bring on Sunday.
"So it's been a good situation of us being able to spend a lot of time together and work towards this second leg. And I think the environment has been very positive and constructive."
Montemurro: "It's not over yet. Maybe the pressure's been taken off Arsenal. Now they're 2-1 down, they're coming to Lyon, whatever happens happens. That's a dangerous scenario."
TEAM NEWS
Daphne van Domselaar and Lotte Wubben-Moy have been back in training this week. Renee Slegers said on Friday: "They trained today, the plan for them is to train tomorrow, and then they will be available for Sunday." Kim Little wasn't spotted in training on Friday, but Renee said she's okay and should train on Saturday.
There are no fresh injury concerns for Lyon.
match officials
Referee: Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi
Assistant referees: Francesca Di Monte and Franca Overtoom
Fourth officials: Silvia Gasperotti
VAR: Aleandro Di Paolo
HOW TO WATCH
Over 500 supporters are expected to make the trip to France to cheer on our Gunners, but those of you at home, all the action will be live on TNT Sports 3 and DAZN.
Copyright 2025 The Arsenal Football Club Limited. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.arsenal.com as the source.