Arsenal punish Lyon’s mistakes in the first leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final

European champions Arsenal took advantage of two terrible defensive blunders by Lyon on Sunday to come from behind to win the first leg of the Women’s Champions League semi-final 2-1.

The French leaders took the lead in the 18th minute when Jule Brand scored with the visitor’s only shot on target in the first half.

But the Gunners were level shortly before the end thanks to an own goal from Ingrid Engen, after goalkeeper Christiane Endler failed to collect the ball.

And they took the lead when Olivia Smith took advantage of another mix-up at the back late in the game.

The two teams met at the same stage of the competition last season, with Arsenal winning 5-3 on aggregate, before lifting the trophy with victory over Barcelona in the final.

Lyon drew first blood at the Emirates on Sunday when Brand surged forward and cut inside before beating Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar with a confident finish.

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The home side thought they had been given an escape in the match when a penalty was awarded five minutes after the restart, but that decision was overturned after a VAR check.

But Arsenal were level in the 58th minute when Mariona Caldentey’s low free-kick somehow found its way into the net. Lyon player Endler mishandled the ball, after which Engen tapped it into his own goal.

Kadidiatou Diani rattled the crossbar as the French team threatened to regain the lead, but it was Arsenal who scored again.

Endler and Engen had a moment of miscommunication and Smith showed tenacity to poke the ball home in the 83rd minute.

The second leg will take place in Lyon next weekend.

Published on April 26, 2026