Introduction:

On Sunday, 27th April at 5pm, Arsenal will step onto the pitch with a shot at history in their sights. After a dramatic first leg at the Emirates, they trail Lyon 2-1, but this tie is anything but settled.

Lyon struck first through Kadidiatou Diani, a goal initially ruled offside before VAR intervened to confirm it. Arsenal responded with intensity, drawing level when Christiane Endler conceded a penalty that Mariona Caldentey calmly dispatched.

Just as the momentum seemed to be shifting in Arsenal’s favour, Lyon’s pace on the counter proved decisive, with Melchie Dumornay breaking through and finishing clinically past Manu Zinsberger to restore their lead.

The final whistle left the score at 2-1, but this story is far from written. Arsenal have already pulled off a stunning comeback against Real Madrid earlier this season, but Lyon present a different kind of challenge.

The second leg won’t have the roar of a packed Emirates behind them, but Arsenal will travel with the unwavering support of the Gooner faithful. Now the question remains: can they overturn the deficit and book their place in the Champions League final, or will Lyon’s quality prove just out of reach?

Breaking Down the Tactics:

Arsenal fielded a predictable lineup with the same back four, Zinsberger starting in goal due to Daphne Van Domselaar's injury, and Alessia Russo returning to the starting XI, while Chloe Kelly started on the bench. 

Mariona Caldentey remained in a deeper role alongside Kim Little, with Frida Maanum, Beth Mead, and Caitlin Foord keeping their spots.

The team started slow, looking vulnerable defensively, as predicted, and gave Lyon too much space at the edge of the box, allowing shots that despite being initially saved by Zinsberger, sometimes led to dangerous follow-ups, like when Daniëlle van de Donk nearly capitalised on a rebound. 

The defensive line seemed out of sync at times, with Emily Fox playing Diani onside for a dangerous chance. Arsenal struggled with complacency in the box, failing to clear their lines at key moments.

Despite this, they continued to challenge from set pieces, with Russo hitting the bar and Endler mishandling the ball in crucial situations. The backline also allowed too much space between the defenders, which resulted in Lyon's attackers getting in behind and outpacing them.

However, Arsenal showed a much more positive approach in the second half, creating chances through well-worked crosses and putting Lyon under sustained pressure.

Why does this tie feel far from over?

Arsenal have already shown they're capable of turning things around - just look at the comeback against Real Madrid earlier this season. But Lyon are a different beast: a more experienced, more dangerous side, especially on the counter-attack. That threat was clear in the first leg, where Arsenal were caught out a few times at the back.

Still, the second half was a real positive - Arsenal created chances and looked far more threatening going forward. The key now is finding that attacking edge while tightening things up defensively.

Renee Slegers’ post-match comment - “if we could play the game again right now, we would” - says it all. The team understand what went wrong, and they’re ready to put it right. With key players returning to full fitness, the squad is starting to come together at the right time.

The big challenge? Doing it away from home. But they won’t be alone. The travelling Gooners will bring noise, energy, and belief.

There’s no doubt Arsenal will give everything. The passion from the players and from Slegers is obvious - they understand exactly what this moment means.