OL Lyonnes advanced to the Women’s Champions League final after defeating titleholder Arsenal 3-1 on Saturday in Lyon, France. Forward Jule Brand scored the crucial goal in the 86th minute, ensuring Lyon’s victory.
Captain Wendie Renard and striker Kadidiatou Diani scored in the first half, giving Lyon a 2-0 lead. Arsenal’s Alessia Russo, the competition’s top scorer, netted her ninth goal to narrow the aggregate score to 4-3, but Lyon held on for the win.
Match Highlights
Lyon’s journey to the final was marked by a strong performance at Groupama Stadium. Renard converted a penalty on her second attempt after a foul by Arsenal’s Lotte Wubben-Moy, which put Lyon ahead. Diani then extended the lead with a well-placed shot from a corner.
Despite Arsenal’s earlier victory in the first leg, where they won 2-1 in London, Lyon’s aggregate score propelled them into the final for a record-extending 12th time.
Upcoming Final
Lyon will face either Bayern Munich or Barcelona in the final, scheduled for May 23 in Oslo. The two teams are currently tied 1-1 after their first leg, with Bayern’s Franziska Kett being sent off for a foul.
Reactions
Lyon midfielder Lindsey Heaps expressed her pride in the team’s achievement, stating, “It’s a little bit emotional making it to the final. I’m so proud of the team; there were so many ebbs and flows in this game. Keeping the discipline to put in a performance like that, and finish it, was so important.”
After the match, Lyon president Michele Kang celebrated with the players, highlighting the significance of this victory in the club’s storied history.