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Photo: Pauline Figuet/SPP
On a dramatic Sunday of UEFA Women’s Champions League action, Arsenal produced a stunning 4-1 away victory to overturn a first-leg deficit against Lyon and book their spot in the final for the first time in 18 years.
Trailing 2-1 after the first leg, the Gunners delivered a masterclass in Lyon’s backyard, clinching a 5-3 aggregate win and keeping alive their dream of lifting Europe’s biggest prize for the second time. Arsenal remains the only English club ever to have won the UWCL, having previously triumphed in 2007.
Heading into Sunday’s second leg, many expected five-time champions Lyon to be up to the task. Instead, they appeared lost and disjointed throughout the 90 minutes, while Arsenal, meanwhile, seized control of the occasion almost immediately.
The trouble began for Lyon when veteran goalkeeper Christiane Endler handed Arsenal the advantage just five minutes in. A superb save by Endler in the buildup was undone when the ensuing corner kick hit off her back and into Lyon’s goal.
Despite Lyon’s attempts to regroup, Arsenal doubled their lead just before halftime when Mariona Caldentey struck from outside the penalty area.
Rather than sitting back on their advantage, Arsenal came out for the second half with a renewed urgency. Within 30 seconds of the restart, Alessia Russo latched onto a loose ball and smashed home a third goal, stunning the home crowd.
Lyon, so often the architects of European dominance, looked increasingly rattled.
Arsenal’s fourth goal came in the 63rd minute when Caitlin Foord capitalized on a costly turnover by Lyon defender Vanessa Gilles. Melchie Dumornay managed to pull one back for Lyon with ten minutes left, but it was too little too late.
Earlier on Sunday afternoon in London, Chelsea endured yet another Champions League heartbreak at the hands of Barcelona. Having already suffered a 4-1 defeat in the first leg, the Blues hoped for a better showing at home. Instead, they were subjected to a repeat performance, falling again by a 4-1 scoreline, bringing Barcelona’s semifinal triumph to a dominant 8-2 aggregate.
It was a painful case of déjà vu for Chelsea, as it marked the third consecutive year Barcelona have ended their European campaign at the semifinal stage. Sonia Bompastor’s side, though still strong favorites to win the Women’s Super League title in England, will have to put their European ambitions on hold once again.
As Chelsea bow out, Arsenal will continue into the final as the sole English team remaining. Their reward for a superb semifinal comeback is a clash with giants Barcelona on May 24 in Lisbon, Portugal.
For the Gunners, it will be a daunting challenge – Barcelona has lifted the UWCL trophy three times in the last four years, and their masterclass over Chelsea suggests they are eager for more.
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