Arsenal punish error-stricken Lyon as return to Women’s Champions League final beckons

Arsenal punish error-stricken Lyon as return to Women’s Champions League final beckons Last updated 26 April 2026 5:53pm BST Save Share article Log in or Subscribe Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Add us as preferred source Add us as preferred source Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Christiane Endler, the Lyon goalkeeper, was unable to gather Mariona Caldentey’s seemingly innocuous free-kick  Credit: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images Alex Connor live updates. Kathryn Batte Women’s Football Reporter, at Emirates Stadium Last updated 26 April 2026 5:53pm BST Save Share article Log in or Subscribe Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Add us as preferred source Add us as preferred source Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Arsenal punished an error-stricken Lyon side to put themselves within touching distance of a second-straight Champions League final. The reigning champions came from behind to take a one-goal advantage to the Groupama Stadium next week. Arsenal trailed 1-0 at half-time after some sloppy defensive play allowed Jule Brand to open the scoring in the 18th minute. But they levelled through a bizarre own goal before Olivia Smith completed the comeback in the 83rd minute. Olivia Smith was quick to pounce 💨 📺 Watch the UEFA Women's Champions League live on @disneyplusuk pic.twitter.com/H4IcRz6NID — ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) April 26, 2026 The hosts responded well to Brand’s opener and were worthy of their victory despite getting a huge helping hand from their opponents. Arsenal thought they would be given the opportunity to level early in the second half when they were awarded a penalty after Kim Little was brought down by Wendie Renard. But replays showed Renard got to the ball first and referee Désirée Blanco was sent to the pitchside monitor and opted to reverse her original decision.  Arsenal then levelled in bizarre circumstances. Mariona Caldentey’s low free-kick should have been straightforward for Christiane Endler, the Lyon goalkeeper, to deal with but she fumbled the ball, which bounced backwards towards her own net. Ingrid Engen attempted to clear it off the line but could only help it into the bottom corner, with the goal attributed to the defender. There was another video assistant referee check over whether Stina Blackstenius was offside and interfering with play, but the goal was eventually awarded.  Mariona Caldentey's equaliser is one Lyon won't want to see again 😬 pic.twitter.com/PU4Rd27Hld — ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) April 26, 2026 Arsenal looked the more dangerous of the two teams in the closing stages but Lyon nearly restored their lead when Kadidiatou Diani hit the bar. In the end it was more shambolic defending from the French side which gave Arsenal the chance to win it. Lindsey Heaps played Engen into trouble with a loose back-pass but the defender’s touch was poor and it allowed Smith to challenge for the ball. Endler raced out of her goal to try and block the forward but failed miserably, leaving Smith with an empty net to finish into. Match detailsArsenal (4-2-1-3): Van Domselaar; Fox, Williamson (Hinds 66), Wubben-Moy, McCabe; Little (Codina 90+3), Caldentey; Russo (Holmberg 90+3); Smith (Pelova 83), Blackstenius (Maanum 85), Foord. Substitutes: Votikova, Borbe, Harwood. Goals: Engen OG 59, Smith 83 Lyon (4-1-2-3): Endler; Svava, Engen, Renard, Lawrence; Heaps, Yohannes (Egurrola 65), Shrader; Diani, Hegerberg (Katoto 65), Brand (Becho 76). Subs: Belhadj, Bacha, Junttila Nelhage, Dumornay, Fathallah, Sombath, Chawinga, Benyahia, Tarciane. Goals: Brand 18 Referee: Désirée Blanco (Switzerland) Latest updates Alex Connor live updates. Kathryn Batte Women’s Football Reporter, at Emirates Stadium 5:45PM Both semi-finals are finely poised Link copied to clipboard First leg results  Bayern Munich 1 Barcelona 1 Arsenal 2 Lyon 1 Upcoming second legs Saturday 2nd May - Lyon vs Arsenal at 14:00 Sunday 3rd May - Barcelona vs Bayern Munich at 15:30 5:41PM Arsenal fans celebrate the win Link copied to clipboard Advantage Arsenal before next week’s second leg in France Credit: Harry Murphy/UEFA 5:39PM Smith deservedly named as the Player of the Match Link copied to clipboard Olivia Smith scored the winning goal for Arsenal, helping her side to a 2-1 victory over Lyon Credit: Harry Murphy/UEFA 5:24PM FT: Arsenal 2 Lyon 1 Link copied to clipboard Arsenal come from behind to claim a 2-1 victory in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Lyon. The visitors initially opened the scoring in the 18th minute through Brand’s goal, and this was Lyon’s only shot on target throughout the whole match. Arsenal started the second half like a completely different side, with an own goal from Endler and Smith’s late strike giving the hosts the all-important win. Lyon only have themselves to blame. Defensive mistakes have proved costly and Arsenal will head into next week’s second leg in France with a slender advantage. ADVANTAGE. ARSENAL. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/NxTxUPaaGQ — Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) April 26, 2026 5:20PM 90+3 min: Arsenal 2 Lyon 1 Link copied to clipboard Wubben-Moy defends sensationally to shield the ball from Katoto and win a foul. Little goes off and gives the armband to Wubben-Moy for the final few minutes. Russo also departs and is replaced. Holmberg and Codina are the changes. 5:18PM 90 min: Arsenal 2 Lyon 1 Link copied to clipboard There will be six minutes of added time. Lyon are throwing more players forward now in their search for an equaliser, but they might have left it too late. 5:15PM 88 min: Arsenal 2 Lyon 1 Link copied to clipboard Foord cuts inside and curls a cross into the box. It looks to be heading into the far corner and Endler reacts well to tip the ball around the post for a corner. Could Arsenal get a third goal before the final whistle? 5:14PM 86 min: Arsenal 2 Lyon 1 Link copied to clipboard Smith has been the brightest player on the pitch for Arsenal and she’s rewarded with a goal - but it’s yet more diabolical defending from Lyon. It was a terrible pass from Heaps to Engen, who then failed to control the ball. Endler ran out to try and block Smith’s attempt but failed, and the forward had an empty net to finish into. Arsenal have turned it around but they’ve had some help! 5:14PM 84 min: Arsenal 2 Lyon 1 Link copied to clipboard After that goal, Smith is withdrawn to a standing ovation from the Emirates Stadium. Blackstenius also departs. Maanum and Pelova enter the action. 5:10PM GOAL! Arsenal have turned this game around Link copied to clipboard It’s another defensive mix-up from Lyon and Arsenal capitalise. Heaps plays a dangerous back pass, which Engen and Endler both fail to clear. Smith does brilliantly to apply pressure and doesn’t allow the goalkeeper to gather the ball. The Arsenal attacker pokes it at Endler and the ricochet allows her to sweep the ball into an empty net. Upon the replays, it could be an own goal from Endler.  LIV GIVES US THE LEAD!!!!!! 🔥 Some confusion at the back and our winger pounces, rolling the ball into the empty net! 💪 🔴 2-1 ⚫️ (82) pic.twitter.com/zvTU48YWe2 — Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) April 26, 2026 5:09PM 82 min: Arsenal 1 Lyon 1 Link copied to clipboard Caldentey plays a glorious sweeping pass out to Blackstenius. The striker cuts inside and tries to find Smith with a pass, which is intercepted. It breaks to Foord, who chops inside and forces a save from Endler. 5:07PM 79 min: Arsenal 1 Lyon 1 Link copied to clipboard With just over ten minutes of normal time to play, this game is so finely poised. Can either side find a late winner? 5:04PM 76 min: Arsenal 1 Lyon 1 Link copied to clipboard Russo floats a teasing delivery into the box. Endler just beats Blackstenius to the ball and she comes out to punch away. The offside was up. Nevertheless, it was excellent goalkeeper from Endler. 5:01PM 73 min: Arsenal 1 Lyon 1 Link copied to clipboard Arsenal are pushing for a second goal against Lyon Credit: Paul Childs/Action Images via Reuters 4:57PM 70 min: Arsenal 1 Lyon 1 Link copied to clipboard Arsenal have undoubtedly been the better side in this second half. Whatever Slegers said to her players at the break has worked wonders. Arsenal look like they could go on and win this match. 4:55PM 67 min: Arsenal 1 Lyon 1 Link copied to clipboard Both teams make changes as Hegerberg and Yohannes are replaced by Katoto and Egurrola. Williamson comes off to a great reception as Hinds enters the action.  4:53PM 66 min: Arsenal 1 Lyon 1 Link copied to clipboard Diani rattles the bar for Lyon. Against the run of play, the Lyon winger breaches the Arsenal defence and smashes a one-on-one effort off the woodwork. Lyon are so close to a second goal. 4:52PM 62 min: Arsenal 1 Lyon 1 Link copied to clipboard That is perhaps the most bizarre goal we have seen in the Champions League this season. It may well go down as an Endler OG but Mariona Caldentey is claiming it. There was a brief VAR check for offside against Stina Blackstenius, who was challenging for the ball, but the goal is given. It was really poor goalkeeping from Endler to just fumble the free-kick and let it into the net. Engen tried to get back and clear but was unable to. It may even go down as an Engen OG if she got the final touch before the ball crossed the line. 4:46PM GOAL! Arsenal equalise in bizarre circumstances Link copied to clipboard What a strange goal. Caldentey fires a low free kick into the box. Blackstenius makes a run which impacts Endler’s vision. The Lyon goalkeeper makes a huge error and lets the ball escape her grasp as it trickles into the bottom corner. After a lengthy VAR check, the goal is confirmed and Arsenal are back level. Their start to the second half warranted that equaliser. The momentum is in favour of the hosts now. WE'RE LEVEL WITH SUPER MARIO!!!! 🤩 Our number 8 plays a clever free-kick that eludes the keeper and ends up in the back of the net! Game on! 🔴 1-1 ⚫️ (59) pic.twitter.com/zmLGKoHsO0 — Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) April 26, 2026 4:44PM 55 min: Arsenal 0 Lyon 1 Link copied to clipboard Foord runs at the Lyon defence and reaches the byline, before firing a cross into Smith. The winger swivels and her close-range effort excellently saved by Endler. Arsenal are putting Lyon under some serious pressure now. 4:42PM NO PENALTY! Boos ring around the Emirates Link copied to clipboard The decision is overturned and Arsenal’s joy is short-lived. Renard does get the ball and a penalty would have been a harsh decision. I think that’s the right decision. Wendie Renard got a big foot on the ball before taking a bit of Kim Little. You could argue she had to go across Little to get the ball but I’d say that’s a good tackle. Arsenal have started this half really well though and need to keep this intensity. Lyon have had their third yellow card and so will have to starting treading carefully. 4:41PM VAR! The referee is sent over to the monitor Link copied to clipboard This usually results in the referee overturning their on-field decision. Renard does get the ball, but also clips Little.  4:38PM ARSENAL PENALTY! Renard fouls Little Link copied to clipboard Little glides into the Lyon box and she’s caught by Renard. The Lyon defender is adamant she got the ball. We’re need to see some replays of this... 4:37PM 50 min: Arsenal 0 Lyon 1 Link copied to clipboard Arsenal go close as Fox dribbles forward and finds Smith. From a tight angle, the winger smashes a shot into the side netting. The crowd cheers as they think it has gone in. Arsenal have started the half with real intensity. 4:33PM 47 min: Arsenal 0 Lyon 1 Link copied to clipboard Positive play from Fox, who drives forward and tries to thread a pass through to Blackstenius. However, Endler reads the situation really well and rushes off her line to gather the ball. 4:32PM 46 min: Arsenal 0 Lyon 1 Link copied to clipboard We are back under way for the second half. Both sides are unchanged at the break.  4:22PM Frustration for Arsenal Link copied to clipboard A frustrating half for Arsenal. They’ve had more efforts at goal and more of the ball but a sloppy mistake gave Lyon the opportunity to take the lead and they did so through Jule Brand. Renee Slegers has to find a way to try and get her team back into this game but she is not blessed with a lot of options on the bench. Olivia Smith has looked the brightest player going forward. Alessia Russo has looked pretty isolated at times and is struggling to make much of an impact. Arsenal need to try and get her more involved. 4:16PM HT: Arsenal 0 Lyon 1 Link copied to clipboard No injury time at the Emirates, and after 45 minutes, Lyon hold a slender one-goal advantage over Arsenal. It’s not been a Champions League classic in terms of drama and goals, but Lyon won’t care. The visitors have defended diligently and opened the scoring in the 18th minute through Brand’s clinical finish. That goal was Lyon’s only shot on target. Arsenal are lacking creativity. You cannot fault their application, but the away side have stifled the hosts’ attacking threat.  Jule Brand’s goal for Lyon separates the two sides at half-time Credit: GLYN KIRK/AFP 4:13PM 43 min: Arsenal 0 Lyon 1 Link copied to clipboard Heaps commits a cynical foul as she cynically pulls Russo back. The referee instantly brandishes a yellow card for the Lyon midfielder.  4:11PM 40 min: Arsenal 0 Lyon 1 Link copied to clipboard McCabe hurls a deep cross into the box, which Foord meets at the back post. She attempts to direct a header back across goal, but Blackstenius isn’t quite on the same wavelength and can’t latch onto it. That’s the closest that Arsenal have come so far. The worry for Arsenal is that, because of injuries, they haven’t got many attacking options on the bench. There’s only really Frida Maanum they can call on. Lyon, meanwhile, are blessed with several big-name players they can bring on. Arsenal just need to stay in this game.  4:08PM 37 min: Arsenal 0 Lyon 1 Link copied to clipboard We are still waiting for Arsenal’s first shot on target of the match. Arsenal are struggling to break Lyon down Credit: Andrew Matthews/PA 4:06PM 34 min: Arsenal 0 Lyon 1 Link copied to clipboard Lyon have committed one too many fouls and Lawrence is penalised for a late sliding challenge. Hegerberg is then booked for dissent. The French giants are defending really well and are using their physicality to great effect. 4:03PM 32 min: Arsenal 0 Lyon 1 Link copied to clipboard Smith is hauled down by Yohannes. The Arsenal winger has drawn a few fouls in this first half. Lyon are doing well to take the sting out of the game and the Arsenal fans are beginning to get a bit restless.  4:00PM 29 min: Arsenal 0 Lyon 1 Link copied to clipboard Williamson is cheered by the Arsenal fans as she wins her duel against Hegerberg, beating the Lyon striker to the ball. That battle is definitely one to keep an eye on and could decide the outcome of the match.  3:58PM 27 min: Arsenal 0 Lyon 1 Link copied to clipboard Since their goal, Lyon’s confidence has skyrocketed. They’re beginning to look far more assured on the ball.  3:55PM 24 min: Arsenal 0 Lyon 1 Link copied to clipboard The crowd has gone much quieter now. That Lyon goal has made the atmosphere feel more much deflated. There’s a huge gap between Blackstenius and Russo compared to the rest of the Arsenal squad, which is making the home side look slightly disjointed. 3:51PM 21 min: Arsenal 0 Lyon 1 Link copied to clipboard How will Arsenal react to going behind? The way Brand was able to cut through Arsenal for that goal is really worrying for the hosts. That’s a great finish from Jule Brand but Arsenal should defend it much better. Caitlin Foord initially gave the ball away when her pass to Olivia Smith was cut out. Brand then got past Kim Little far too easily before firing past Daphne van Domselaar. The Arsenal goalkeeper looked as though she got a hand to it and may feel she could have done better.  3:50PM GOAL! Brand nets a brilliant solo effort for Lyon Link copied to clipboard What a goal. Aaginst the run of play, Lyon break the deadlock. Foord’s pass is intercepted and the ball eventually breaks to Brand. The Lyon winger dribbles and glides past Little, before calmly sweeping a close-range shot into the bottom corner. Where was the Arsenal defence then? Brand with the breakthrough 🤩#UWCL || @ol__lyonnes pic.twitter.com/iYiOAZo0dH — UEFA Women's Champions League (@UWCL) April 26, 2026 3:48PM 17 min: Arsenal 0 Lyon 0 Link copied to clipboard Lyon venture forward but the resulting cross comes to nothing. The visitors need to get Brand and Hegerberg more involved. 3:44PM 14 min: Arsenal 0 Lyon 0 Link copied to clipboard The home side have started well against Lyon, but are yet to manufacture a decent chance.  Arsenal have made a confident start against Lyon Credit: Andrew Matthews/PA 3:41PM 11 min: Arsenal 0 Lyon 0 Link copied to clipboard Williamson lofts a long ball over the Lyon backline for Blackstenius to chase. Lyon goalkeeper Endler reacts well and sprints off her line to head the ball away from danger with Blackstenius in pursuit. 3:39PM 8 min: Arsenal 0 Lyon 0 Link copied to clipboard Lyon counter through Yohannes and Diana. The latter dribbles into the box and attempts to Yohannes, but Arsenal do well to track back and Fox retreats to halt Lyon’s attack. 3:38PM 6 min: Arsenal 0 Lyon 0 Link copied to clipboard Russo does well to direct a sliding pass into Fox’s path. The full-back is incredibly far forward and plays a low cross into the box, which finds Foord at the back post. She shoots, but rushes the effort, so it drifts out harmlessly for a Lyon goal kick. 3:36PM 5 min: Arsenal 0 Lyon 0 Link copied to clipboard Williamson has already played a couple fizzing passes into Smith. The defender always looks to play forward and break the lines with her passing. Smith tries to get a cross off on the second occasion, but it’s blocked by the Lyon defence. 3:33PM 3 min: Arsenal 0 Lyon 0 Link copied to clipboard Uneventful start to this match. It’s like a chess game so far. Both sides are figuring each other out in these early stages. 3:30PM Kick-off Link copied to clipboard Arsenal get us under way in the English capital. 3:27PM The teams emerge from the tunnel Link copied to clipboard The players come out to a roaring atmosphere at the Emirates. Kick-off is just minutes away. Arsenal players form a huddle ahead of kick-off against Lyon Credit: Andrew Matthews/PA 3:21PM Alessia Russo enjoying a sensational European campaign Link copied to clipboard The Arsenal forward is the joint top scorer in the Champions League alongside Barcelona’s Ewa Pajor with eight goals. Russo will be looking to add more to her tally today. Alessia Russo has been in brilliant form in the Champions League Credit: Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC 3:09PM Arsenal players out for the warm-up Link copied to clipboard Arsenal’s Laia Codina looks on during the warm-up Credit: Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC  Leah Williamson is back following an injury Credit: Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC 3:02PM Arsenal fans are out in full force Link copied to clipboard Arsenal fans are soaking up the sunshine Credit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC The Arsenal Women Supporters Club make their way to the Emirates Credit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC 2:56PM The reigning European champions Link copied to clipboard The team that everyone wants to beat. Arsenal lifted last season’s Champions League, after they won 1-0 against Barcelona in the final, thanks to Stina Blackstenius’ 74th minute goal. Arsenal players celebrate with the Champions League trophy after beating Barcelona in the final Credit: FILIPE AMORIM/AFP 2:45PM The teams in full Link copied to clipboard Arsenal: van Domselaar, Fox, Williamson, Wubben-Moy, McCabe, Russo, Little, Caldentey, Smith, Blackstenius, Foord.  Subs: Votikova, Borbe, Codina, Maanum, Pelova, Hinds, Holmberg, Harwood.  Lyon: Endler, Lawrence, Renard, Engen, Svava, Albert, Horan, Yohannes, Diani, Hegerberg, Brand.  Subs: Belhadj, Bacha, Junttila-Nelhage, Dumornay, Becho, Katoto, Egurrola, Fathallah, Sombath, Chawinga, Benyahia, Tarciane Karen. 2:43PM Another look at the Arsenal team news Link copied to clipboard The big Arsenal team news is that Leah Williamson starts for the first time since March 15. She returned from injury in England’s 1-0 victory over Iceland last weekend but was only fit enough to play 45 minutes. Chloe Kelly is not in the squad due to a minor muscle injury. Beth Mead is also absent for personal reasons, and Steph Catley is still not fit enough to make the squad. Leah Williamson returns from injury for Arsenal to start Credit: Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC 2:40PM Melchie Dumornay waiting in the wings Link copied to clipboard Arsenal fans will be relieved to see that Lyon midfielder Melchie Dumornay isn’t starting today.  Lyon’s Melchie Dumornay arrives at the Emirates Stadium Credit: Harry Murphy/UEFA 2:35PM Arsenal arrive at the Emirates Link copied to clipboard Embrace the stage 💪 pic.twitter.com/YyshN9NswS — Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) April 26, 2026 2:29PM Lyon team news Link copied to clipboard Melchie Dumornay, who scored twice for Lyon in their 2-1 victory over Arsenal back in October 2025, is only fit enough for the bench. Key players such as Christiane Endler, Ingrid Engen, Kadidiatou Diani and Ada Hegerberg were all rested in midweek and start today. Champions League XI. ✊#ARSOL pic.twitter.com/CXDqthlOfi — OL Lyonnes (@ol__lyonnes) April 26, 2026 2:24PM Arsenal team news Link copied to clipboard Leah Williamson starts after recovering from injury while on international duty. Alessia Russo, who has eight Champions League goals and is the competition’s joint top scorer this season, also starts. Arsenal are without Beth Mead due to personal reasons, while Steph Catley and Chloe Kelly are absent because of injuries. 🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️ 🫡 Williamson returns 🪄 Mariona in the middle ⚡ Blackstenius up top We know what to do - COYG! 👊 — Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) April 26, 2026 2:18PM One of Arsenal’s greatest European nights Link copied to clipboard On their way to winning last season’s Champions League, Arsenal beat Lyon 4-1 in the second-leg of their semi-final in France to win 5-3 on aggregate. This secured Arsenal their first final appearance since 2007, and they beat Barcelona in the showpiece event in Lisbon. Arsenal thrashed Lyon in the second leg of last season’s Champions League semi-final Credit: Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu 2:08PM Today’s setting Link copied to clipboard Rolling out the carpet 🏡 pic.twitter.com/BpnVnbXacX — Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) April 26, 2026 2:05PM They meet again Link copied to clipboard Hello and welcome to our live blog of this Champions League semi-final first leg tie between Arsenal Women and Lyon Women at the Emirates Stadium. It’s déjà vu for both clubs, who met at this stage of the UWCL last season, with Arsenal running out 5-3 winners on aggregate. Renee Slegers’ side lost 2-1 in the first leg in London, before a memorable 4-1 victory in France, which sealed the aggregate win. Arsenal proceeded to lift the trophy in Lisbon, defeating Barcelona 1-0 in May 2025. The reigning European champions intend to defend their crown, but have already lost to Lyon in this season’s edition of the competition. On the first matchday of the league phase, Lyon beat Arsenal 2-1 at the Emirates as Melchie Dumornay’s double cancelled out Alessia Russo’s opener. Arsenal finished fifth in the league phase, four points behind second-place Lyon, before they smashed Belgian outfit OH Leuven 7-1 in the knockout play-offs. This set up an all-English quarter-final against Chelsea, with Arsenal recording a narrow 3-2 aggregate victory over their London rivals. Lyon have magnificent European pedigree and will be aiming to avenge last season’s shock defeat to Arsenal. The French giants are pioneers of women’s football and have won eight Champions League trophies, including five consecutive titles from 2016 to 2020. Jonatan Giraldez’s side finished second in the league phase and advanced straight into the last eight, where they overcame VFL Wolfsburg. Lyon have redemption firmly in their sights as they target a first Champions League trophy since 2022. Bayern Munich played Barcelona in the other semi-final in Bavaria on Saturday, with the first leg ending 1-1, leaving the tie finely poised. All clubs are targeting places in next month’s final in Oslo, and it promises to be a fascinating finale to the competition. Kick-off is at 15:30, with team news coming shortly.