Arsenal target Champions League history but Lyonnes promise semi-final comeback

Renée Slegers’ team take their first-leg lead to France knowing a repeat of last season’s display will see them into a second European final in a row

Arsenal will attempt to become the first British women’s club to reach back-to-back European finals on Saturday as they take a 2-1 first-leg lead to France in their semi-final against OL Lyonnes.

The holders arrived in the city known as the gastronomic capital of France on Friday to pleasant May sunshine glistening off the roof of the imposing Groupama Stadium, knowing that last season’s triumph will have whet their supporters’ appetite and that they have the chance to write more history. Arsenal, 2007 European champions, won the title for the second time last May with victory over Barcelona in the final.