Melchie Dumornay ensured that Lyon will make an advantage in the second stage of the semi-final of their Women's Champions League after a 2-1 win over Arsenal.
The Gunners had come to level from behind after an impressive second half in the Emirates Stadium, but have a shortage to overthrow next Sunday.
Lyon started clearly, with Selma Bacha drill a low shot on goal that Manuel Zinsberger parried with Danielle van de Donk, but she changed it up close.
They took the lead only 11 minutes later, Ellie Carpenter slid in Kadidiatou Diani, who touched her low shot over the goal just outside the range of Zinsberger in the top left corner, with a VAR check that she had not wandered off.
Dumornay should have double their lead – after Arsenal lost the ball in midfield, she tried a daring lob from a long way out, but rattled the crossbar to the relief of the hosts.
Arsenal grew up in the game and could have been the same during the break when Alessia Russo rose high during a free kick, but her loop head bounced from the top of the bar.
The hosts were at the top in the second half, with Christiane Endler greatly made himself to deny Caitlin Foord before Russo's follow-up was blocked.
However, they eventually received their reward in the 78th minute. Endler hit Leah Williamson in her attempt to erase a corner, whereby the referee grants a fine after a VAR check. Mariona Caldentey kept her cool to wipe it in the right corner from the spot.
However, Lyon would only recover their advantage four minutes later. Amel Majri opened the defense of Arsenal open with an excellent through ballet to Dumornay, who fired the winner by Zinsberger.
Full -time in North Londs.
We will be back next weekend to run the tie around pic.twitter.com/GV1P86DX4M
– Arsenal Women (@ARSENALWFC) April 19, 2025
Data Debrief: Lyon remains an impressive run in England
Lyon is unbeaten on all eight of their journeys to face English parties in the Champions League (W6 D2) and wins each of their four road races against Arsenal in the competition.
It is the most road races that a team played against teams from one nation without losing at least once.
Arsenal has even won one of their seven Champions League tires against Lyon (D1 L5), with this their most defeats against a single side in the competition.
Diani also continued her excellent run for the goal. Nobody has been involved in more goals in the Champions League of this season than her (10 – six goals, four assists).