Lyon advances to the Women’s Champions League final following a 4-3 aggregate victory against Arsenal
OL Lyonnes’ winger Jule Brand scored a decisive goal late in a captivating 3-1 home victory against the reigning champions, Arsenal, clinching a 4-3 aggregate win and securing their place in the Women’s Champions League final.
Lyon, having won the title eight times as Olympique Lyonnais, will face either Barcelona or Bayern Munich, who are set to play their second leg in Spain on Sunday following a 1-1 draw last week.
Lyon began the match with tremendous intensity, having an early goal from a set piece ruled out. However, they took the lead when Melchie Dumornay was brought down in the box by defender Lotte Wubben-Moy, leading to a penalty being awarded after the referee reviewed the incident on video.
Wendie Renard converted a penalty on her second attempt after goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar stepped off her line to deny the defender’s initial shot.
Kadidiatou Diani found the net at the back post from a corner, extending the score to 2-0 just nine minutes before halftime, as Lyon secured a 3-2 advantage in the tie.
Displaying a lack of the energy and determination that earned them a 2-1 home victory in the first leg, Arsenal equalized in the 76th minute with a goal from Alessia Russo, who skillfully maneuvered between two defenders to direct Smilla Holmberg’s cross into the net.
The game appeared destined for extra time until Brand seized a pass from Dumornay, executing a skillful left-foot finish in the 86th minute to propel her team into their 12th Champions League final.
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The highlight match is scheduled to occur in Oslo on May 23.
