Arsenal Decidedly Second…

LONDON — A series of catastrophic defensive mistakes from OL Lyonnes handed Arsenal a crucial 2-1 victory in the first leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League semifinals on Sunday, setting them on the path toward a potential second European final.

The defending champions appeared set for a 1-0 defeat until Lyonnes’ dismal defending turned the tide. Arsenal struggled for much of the first hour, unable to make good on opportunities, failing to respond to Jule Brand‘s early goal, which resulted from Arsenal’s poor ball control in a critical area.

However, at the hour mark, Christiane Endler misjudged a straightforward save from a free kick by Mariona Caldentey, allowing the ball to slip through her hands and into the net despite desperate attempts from Ingrid Engen to clear. The troubles weren’t over for the duo.

In a chaotic defense against a relatively easy situation, Endler mishandled an opportunity that allowed Olivia Smith to score an open-net goal, as she tripped Engen in the process of falling. The two could only watch in disbelief as the ball rolled into the goal, giving Arsenal the advantage.

Lyonnes might have been less troubled by this outcome if Arsenal had capitalized more on their own missed chances. The Gunners found themselves frustrated and lacked the clinical edge, with even their leading scorer Alessia Russo failing to convert opportunities, while Stina Blackstenius, the previous hero in the final, also squandered valuable setups.

With key players absent, including Beth Mead due to personal matters and Steph Catley facing a calf injury while Chloe Kelly dealt with a minor muscle issue, Arsenal’s bench was thin, with just six outfield substitutes, none of whom were able to influence the game.

In any other matchup, Arsenal’s inability to convert chances may have doomed them, but Lyonnes struggled just as badly with their own opportunities.

Under the guidance of Jonatan Giráldez, Lyonnes has one of the deepest and most talented squads in Europe, particularly in the attacking department. With all-time Champions League top scorer Ada Hegerberg alongside Kadidiatou Diani, Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Tabitha Chawinga, and Melchie Dumornay, who was benched but unavailable to play, their options are vast. Additionally, Brand and Lily Yohannes as summer midfield signings add even more strength.

Possessing such a talented squad is only fruitful when it translates to wins, and Lyonnes failed to capitalize. After Brand’s goal, they did not register another shot on target, which is unacceptable given their roster’s potential.

Even with Arsenal’s defensive errors and ball losses, Lyonnes managed only six shots throughout the match, a stark contrast to Arsenal’s total of 16.

With just eight touches in the opposing penalty area — significantly fewer than their previous match against VfL Wolfsburg where they had 38 touches and 19 shots (three on target) — Lyonnes displayed a consistent lack of clinical finishing. Diani had a golden chance to bring her team back ahead in the 65th minute, only to hit the crossbar with a powerful shot.

This encounter at this stage last year presented a different picture, though some problems have persisted.

Renee Slegers was in charge for less than a full season then, and Lyonnes were managed by Joe Montemurro, both lacking the key summer signings that have helped propel them this far.

Yet Lyonnes continues to exhibit similar flaws that Giráldez has not managed to rectify. During last season’s decisive 4-1 defeat that took Arsenal to Lisbon, several goals were the result of defensive errors from the same goalkeeper. Despite having a different backline now, the issue remains unaddressed.

However, this match is only at halftime. Another 90 minutes await in Lyon, where the hosts will be eager to rectify their mistakes — particularly failing to capitalize on Arsenal’s missed opportunities. They have proven capable of turning a 1-0 deficit around before in the quarterfinals, yet Arsenal will likely be fiercely motivated to establish their dominance and prove their victory last season was not an anomaly but a statement of intent.