Lyon Deal Blow to Arsenal’s Champions League Hopes
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A stunning 82nd-minute goal from Melchie Dumornay has given Lyon a 2-1 lead against Arsenal in the first leg of their Women’s Champions League semi-final at the Emirates Stadium. The result has left Arsenal’s bid for a first European trophy in 18 years in jeopardy.
The Gunners, who are seeking to reach their first Champions League final since their 2007 Uefa Women’s Cup triumph, were handed a significant setback in the 17th minute. Kadidiatou Diani’s cool finish put the eight-time champions Lyon in front, despite initial celebrations being cut short by the offside flag. However, following a video assistant referee review, it was deemed that Emily Fox had narrowly played Diani onside before the France winger slotted past Manuela Zinsberger.
According to the BBC, Lyon’s celebrations were short-lived as Arsenal surged forward in search of an equaliser. The home crowd urged the team on as they pushed for a goal, and their efforts were rewarded with 15 minutes remaining. The VAR advised the referee to review a challenge by Christiane Endler on Leah Williamson, and after watching the footage on the pitchside monitor, referee Ionela Pesu awarded a penalty.
The decision was met with controversy, but Mariona Caldentey, who won the Champions League with Barcelona last year, stepped up to the spot and calmly fired home to level the score. The Emirates crowd erupted into chaos as the hosts celebrated their equaliser. However, the jubilant scenes were short-lived as Lyon restored their lead just four minutes later.
Melchie Dumornay powered between Fox and Steph Catley before finishing over the onrushing Zinsberger, giving Lyon a 2-1 lead. The second leg of the semi-final will take place at Parc Olympique Lyonnais on 27 April, with the winner of the tie facing either Chelsea or Barcelona in the final in Lisbon on 24 May.
As reported by the BBC, Arsenal’s defeat has left them with a significant mountain to climb if they are to reach their first Champions League final in over a decade. The Gunners will need to overturn the deficit in the second leg and secure a win away from home if they are to progress to the final.
The Women’s Champions League has provided some thrilling matches this season, and the semi-final between Arsenal and Lyon is shaping up to be one of the most exciting ties of the competition. With the second leg just around the corner, both teams will be eager to secure a spot in the final and claim the coveted title.
In related news, the BBC has reported that the Women’s Champions League has seen a significant increase in interest and viewership in recent years, with many top European clubs competing for the top prize. The competition has provided a platform for female footballers to showcase their skills and has helped to raise the profile of women’s football globally.
As the second leg of the semi-final approaches, football fans will be eagerly anticipating the outcome of the tie. Will Arsenal be able to overturn the deficit and secure a spot in the final, or will Lyon’s experience and skill prove too much for the Gunners?
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