Arsenal Women booked their place in the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) final for the first time since 2007 with a commanding display.
The Gunners overcame Lyon 4-1 away from home in the semi-final second leg to seal a 5-3 win on aggregate.
Right from the start, Arsenal showed intent as a Chloe Kelly corner forced Christiane Endler into an unfortunate own goal. Although Lyon tried to respond quickly, Arsenal kept their composure, and soon enough, momentum shifted firmly in their favour.
While Lyon pressed for an equaliser, Arsenal continued to exploit their defensive lapses and created numerous chances. Eventually, on the brink of halftime, Mariona Caldentey produced a moment of magic by bending a sensational strike into the top corner to double the lead.
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Arsenal, however, did not sit back after the restart as they pushed further and looked to kill the tie. Just moments into the second half, Alessia Russo slotted home a third after Foord and Maanum created chaos in the Lyon box.
With the aggregate score now 4-2, Arsenal refused to relent and kept pushing forward with great confidence. Their attacking pressure paid off again when Caitlin Foord capitalised on another Lyon defensive error to make it four.
Although Melchie Dumornay pulled one back for Lyon late on, it proved nothing more than a mere consolation. Despite some late scares, Arsenal’s defense stood strong, with Van Domselaar and Katie McCabe coming up with vital interventions.
Throughout the game, Arsenal fans in the OL Stadium created an electrifying atmosphere, urging their team on. They will now be packing their bags for Lisbon, where Arsenal will battle Barcelona for the coveted title on May 24.
Memories of their 2007 triumph will no doubt fuel their desire when they step onto the pitch in Lisbon.
Before then, Arsenal will shift their focus back to domestic action as they face Aston Villa at Villa Park on Wednesday evening.
Tags: Arsenal, Gunners, UEFA Women’s Champions League, #UWCL, Chloe Kelly, Lyon, Barcelona, Lisbon, Melchie Dumornay, Barcelona, Katie McCabe, #LYOARS, #COYG, #Gunners.
