Arsenal vs Lyon LIVE: Gunners edged out in thrilling Women’s Champions League semi-final first leg
Arsenal 1-2 Lyon: A thrilling first leg saw both teams throw caution to the wind but goals from Kadi Diani and Melchie Dumornay bested Mariona Caldentey’s penalty, leaving the Gunners with everything to do in France next week
Melchie Dumornay scored an 82nd-minute winner as Lyon stunned Arsenal to win the first leg of their Women's Champions League semi-final 2-1 at the Emirates.
Mariona Caldentey had equalised for the home side four minutes prior to the eventual winner after Arsenal, who struggled to replicate the form shown in their midweek 5-1 win over Leicester, had fallen behind to Kadidiatou Diani's goal.
But after Calendtey's penalty, Lyon's front three caused further issues for Arsenal's backline and Dumornay was on hand to steal the win on foreign soil ahead of the return leg next week.
Relive all the action from the semi-final first leg with our live blog below:
Arsenal 0-1 Lyon, 26 mins
Diani looking dangerous down the right again, running at Catley, getting to the by-line and dinking a cross towards Dumornay at the back stick. Fox does really well to win the header and nod it behind for a corner.
Then great work-rate from Mead as she closes down Dumornay after the short corner to prevent her getting the cross in and blocks the ball out for a throw. Roar of approval from the Arsenal fans
Arsenal 0-1 Lyon, 24 mins
Better from the Gunners. Maanum has been Arsenal’s best player so far and she’s involved again as they get to the byline, stand up a cross and Mead attacks it but it’s just flicked away from her by a Lyon defender.
Arsenal were happy to get players into the box there, which is a positive sign.
Arsenal 0-1 Lyon, 22 mins
Arsenal look a bit shell-shocked after that goal. Lyon surge forward again and Bacha whips in a dangerous cross but Little does well to head clear.
Poor goal for Arsenal to concede
Delayed celebrations for Lyon and a poor opening goal for Arsenal to concede, given the obvious strengths of the French side on the break. There was no pressure on Lindsey Heaps and Kadidiatou Diana was given all the space she needed by Arsenal’s high line, with Emily Fox not stepping up in time. Great finish by Diana but Zinsberger, again, did not look comfortable.
GOAL! Arsenal 0-1 Lyon (Kadi Diani, 17 mins)
And VAR rules that Diani was onside, so the goal is given!
It all came from a Lyon goal-kick as they beat the Arsenal press, the timing of the pass is perfect and Diani’s finish into the corner is sublime.
It was right-back Emily Fox, over the other side of the pitch playing the France star onside. Frustrating for the Gunners
NO GOAL! Arsenal 0-0 Lyon, 16 mins
A let-off for Arsenal. Diani is slipped through, races in one on one and calmly finishes past Zinsberger into the corner.
There is VAR today though, so this will be checked...
Arsenal 0-0 Lyon, 15 mins
The best chance of the game so far has been Lyon’s but Arsenal are looking comfortable in possession
Early let off for Zinsberger
Arsenal have been boosted by Alessia Russo’s return from injury but are still without first-choice goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar. Manuela Zinsberger’s error in the first-leg defeat to Real Madrid was forgotten after Arsenal’s comeback at the Emirates but the replacement should have been punished here following an early shot by Selma Bacha. Zinsberger palmed it out and it looked easier for Danielle van de Donk to score against her former side. Fortunately for Zinsberger, she put it wide.
Arsenal 0-0 Lyon, 9 mins
Arsenal corner as Maanum shoots on the turn and it’s deflected wide.
McCabe’s flat delivery is decent but well cleared by Van de Donk.
CHANCE! Arsenal 0-0 Lyon, 6 mins
That should be 1-0 Lyon! Ex-Arsenal star Danielle van de Donk has missed what amounts to a sitter.
Bacha shoots from distance, Zinsberger palms it away but straight to Van de Donk, eight yards out but she puts the rebound wide. Head in hands moment for the Dutch star and a let-off for Arsenal
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