Lyon held off a second-half fightback from Arsenal to secure a 2-1 away win in the first leg of their Women’s Champions League semi-final at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
The match started evenly, with neither side managing to take full control, but it was Kadidiatou Diani who provided the spark.
On a counter-attack, following a superb pass from Ellie Carpenter, the French international surged into the box and slotted the ball past Manuela Zinsberger, giving Lyon the lead in the 17th minute.
The visitors nearly extended their advantage soon after when Melchie Dumornay fired a powerful long-range shot that struck the crossbar. Arsenal came close to an equaliser just before halftime, with Alessia Russo’s header from a Katie McCabe cross also hitting the woodwork.
In the second half, Arsenal levelled things up when a penalty was awarded in the 78th minute. Christiane Endler fouled Leah Williamson in the box following a corner, and Mariona Caldentey made no mistake from the spot.
However, Lyon quickly regained their lead just four minutes later. Amel Majri found Melchie Dumornay in space between Arsenal’s defenders, and the forward calmly finished to put Lyon ahead again for good.
With everything still to play for, the second leg on April 27 at Lyon’s home ground will decide who progresses to the final.
