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Wednesday, April 29, 2026
UEFA Women’s Champions League 
Arsenal recovered from an early setback to defeat Olympique Lyonnais 2-
Jule Brand gave Lyon the lead with a superb solo goal in the 17th minute, but Mariona Caldentey’s free kick was fumbled by goalkeeper Christiane Endler into her own net to level the scores. Olivia Smith then sealed the victory for Arsenal, tapping into an empty net after another Lyon defensive mix-
The Gunners began brightly at home but were stunned when Brand cut in from the left, evaded the attentions of Kim Little and drilled a low shot past Daphne van Domselaar.
Lyon had control of matters during the first half but appeared to ease off towards half time, whilst Arsenal emerged for the second half with greater intensity.
Smith struck the side netting before the hosts were awarded a penalty, only for VAR to overturn the decision after determining that Lyon captain Wendie Renard had won the ball fairly in her challenge on Little in the area.
Smith looked set to score moments later when she met Katie McCabe’s cut back, but Endler produced a fine save with her legs to keep her side in front at that stage. However the Lyon goalkeeper then went from hero to villain in the 58th minute. Under pressure from Stina Blackstenius, Endler misjudged Caldentey’s delivery and inadvertently steered the ball into her own net. VAR checked Renard’s claims of a foul in the build-
The contest became increasingly open thereafter. There was a big scare for the home side when Lyon winger Kadidiatou Diani struck the bar when clean through, but Arsenal capitalised on further hesitation between Endler and defender Ingrid Engen as they left the ball to each other, with Smith nipping in and calmly passing the ball into the unguarded net to secure a vital 2-
The second leg takes place at Lyon’s Groupama Stadium on Saturday 2nd May (2pm kick off BST).