UWCL: Olympique Lyonnais v Arsenal

Doors open at 11a. Please share this match with anyone who might be interested– we are always looking to increase our numbers for Arsenal Women screenings.

Arsenal head to Lyon trailing 2–1 after a spirited second-half showing at the Emirates in the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final first leg. Despite a sluggish opening 45 minutes, the Gunners grew into the game after the break, creating chances and pressing with renewed intensity. Under Renée Slegers, Arsenal have become a side defined by resilience and tactical clarity. Since her appointment in October 2024, she has guided the team to 12 WSL wins, scoring 45 goals and conceding just 9, while also leading them to a dramatic 3–2 aggregate comeback over Real Madrid in the quarter-finals. Manuela Zinsberger will again be between the sticks as Daphne van Domselaar recovers from an ankle injury suffered during the last international window. Alessia Russo, Caitlin Foord, Katie McCabe, and Chloe Kelly, all of whom picked up knocks on international duty but recovered in time to play in the first leg are expected to be available.

Lyon, meanwhile, remain a formidable force under the guidance of Joe Montemurro, a lifelong Arsenal supporter and the last manager to lead the Gunners to a WSL title. In his first season at the helm, Montemurro has steered Lyon to the top of the Première Ligue with a +83 goal difference, showcasing their domestic dominance. With a record eight Champions League titles, including five consecutive wins from 2016 to 2020, Lyon’s pedigree in European competition is unmatched. This season, their Champions League campaign has been marked by defensive solidity, conceding just four goals en route to the semi-finals. With players such as US captain Lindsey Heaps and former Arsenal fan favorite Danielle van de Donk, Lyon’s depth and experience make them a daunting opponent as they aim to secure a place in the final. With a mostly fully-fit squad, only the availability of French defensive stalwart Wendie Renard remains a question.

It’s now or never. Spend some of your Sunday with us as we cheer our girls on to another epic comeback!

VCC


UTA

KEEP THE FAITH ✊