Melchie Dumornay scored an 82nd-minute winner as Lyon stunned Arsenal to win the first leg of their Women's Champions League semi-final 2-1 at the Emirates.
Mariona Caldentey had equalised for the home side four minutes prior to the eventual winner after Arsenal, who struggled to replicate the form shown in their midweek 5-1 win over Leicester, had fallen behind to Kadidiatou Diani's goal.
But after Calendtey's penalty, Lyon's front three caused further issues for Arsenal's backline and Dumornay was on hand to steal the win on foreign soil ahead of the return leg next week.
Arsenal shocked by blow they didn’t see coming in Champions League semi-finals
It was the burst of light to silence the noise of the Emirates. Arsenal had Lyon on the ropes, clawing themselves level at last through Mariona Caldentey’s penalty after subjecting the eight-time Women’s Champions League winners to an onslaught of pressure.
A 1-1 draw to take into the semi-final second leg would have been felt deserved and, if anything, Arsenal may have come away regretting their missed chances against the French champions.
But, thanks to the sensational Melchie Dumornay, Arsenal require another comeback if they are to reach their first Champions League final since 2007. The dramatic late intervention from the best young player in the world came four minutes after Caldentey’s equaliser and was the sucker-punch Arsenal did not see coming.
For Dumornay, the 21-year-old Haitian star, her surging run through the middle of Emily Fox and Steph Catley and finish over Manuela Zinsberger was the moment she properly announced her arrival on the European stage.
Read Jamie Braidwood’s full report from the Emirates:
Arsenal shocked by a blow they didn’t see coming in Champions League semi-finals
Arsenal 1-2 Lyon: Melchie Dumornay’s stunning winner came just four minutes after Mariona Caldentey had equalised from the penalty spot
Luke Baker19 April 2025 15:12
A frustrating afternoon for Arsenal
An ultimately frustrating 90 minutes for Arsenal despite a lot of good things
Luke Baker19 April 2025 14:47
Arsenal 1-2 Lyon
The second leg will take place next Sunday (April 27) at Parc Olympique Lyonnais. Kick off is at 5pm BST.
It will be an ask for Arsenal to turn this tie around but you never know.
Luke Baker19 April 2025 14:35
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 1-2 Lyon
Quite frankly, that was a brilliant, compelling game of football. Arsenal unlucky not to be heading to the second leg in Lyon next week all level but two lovely goals from Diani and Dumornay bested Caldentey’s penalty.
It will take a remarkable performance from the Gunners in France to reach the final but they showed i spells today that they’re more than capable.
Either way, it was a great way to spend a sunny Easter lunchtime at the Emirates - cracking stuff.
Luke Baker19 April 2025 14:25
Arsenal 1-2 Lyon, 90+1 mins
Late let-off for Arsenal as Lyon come forward again. Zinsberge pushes a shot away and Diani then can’t make contact with the rebound.
Shortly after, Zinsberger is quickly off her line to smother at the feet of Dumornay. Key save.
We’re into five minutes of injury-time.
Luke Baker19 April 2025 14:21
Arsenal 1-2 Lyon, 89 mins
This has been a high-intensity game and I’m not sure Arsenal have much left in the tank. Lyon are trying to kill this off and get to the second leg with a lead now.
Luke Baker19 April 2025 14:18
Arsenal 1-2 Lyon, 85 mins
Can Arsenal dig deep and come again? That Lyon goal came out of the blue.
They bring on Victoria Pelova and Lia Walti for Foord and Russo. Ada Hegerberg is also on for Lyon.
Luke Baker19 April 2025 14:15
GOAL! Arsenal 1-2 Lyon (Melchie Dumornay, 82 mins)
Oh no! Out of nowhere, Lyon are back in front. It’s a stunning counter-attack goal. One-touch football from the French side, right through the centre of Arsenal’s midfield.
Majri’s pass sends Dumornay on her way, she slices between Fox and Catley and finishes calmly beyond Zinsberger. A hammer blow.
Luke Baker19 April 2025 14:12
Arsenal 1-1 Lyon, 81 mins
Arsenal fully deserved that equaliser - they’ve been by far the better team in this second half. Can they go on to nick a winner now?
They’re still coming forward and Kelly goes for goal from range but it’s over the bar
Luke Baker19 April 2025 14:10
GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 Lyon (Mariona Caldentey, pen 78 mins)
Chloe Kelly initially takes the ball but that’s just to take any flak from the Lyon players. She hands it to World Cup winner Mariona Caldentey to actually take.
And Caldentey scores! Calmly done, sending Endler the wrong way and Arsenal are level! Huge.
Luke Baker19 April 2025 14:07
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