Arsenal, the reigning European champions, took full advantage of two significant defensive errors by Lyon on Sunday, overturning an early deficit to secure a 2-1 victory in the first leg of their Women’s Champions League semi-final.
Lyon, the leaders of the French league, opened the scoring in the 18th minute with Jule Brand finding the net from their only shot on target during the first half.
However, Arsenal equalised just before the hour mark when an own goal from Ingrid Engen followed a mishap by goalkeeper Christiane Endler, who failed to control the ball.
Arsenal then took the lead when Olivia Smith capitalised on another defensive mix-up late in the game.
These two teams met at the same stage of the tournament last season, where Arsenal triumphed 5-3 on aggregate before ultimately lifting the trophy against Barcelona in the final.
Lyon struck first at the Emirates on Sunday, with Brand charging forward and cutting inside to confidently finish past Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar.
Five minutes after the break, Arsenal seemed to have a chance to turn the game around when they were awarded a penalty, but the decision was reversed following a VAR review.
Arsenal found their equaliser in the 58th minute when Mariona Caldentey’s low free-kick somehow found its way into the net.
Endler mishandled the delivery, and the unfortunate Engen inadvertently diverted it into her own goal.
While Lyon’s Kadidiatou Diani struck the crossbar as they sought to regain the advantage, it was Arsenal who found the net again.
In the 83rd minute, a lack of communication between Endler and Engen allowed Smith to show tenacity and prod the ball home.
The second leg is scheduled to take place in Lyon next weekend.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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