Holders Arsenal came from behind to beat Lyon 2-1 in the first leg of their Women's Champions League semi-final at the Emirates Stadium.
Jule Brand had fired the French side – beaten by the Gunners at the same stage of last season’s competition – ahead in the 19th minute.
Arsenal, with Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe starting at left back, rallied in the second half and equalised through an own goal from Ingrid Engen following a mistake by Lyon keeper Christiane Endler – who was then caught out again when Olivia Smith slotted in with seven minutes left.
Lyon had broken the deadlock against the run of play in the 19th minute.
Arsenal were caught in possession on the halfway line, with Brand sent surging forward down the left and on into the penalty area before firing past Arsenal keeper Daphne van Domselaar.
Caitlin Foord's loose pass is punished by Lyon as Jule Brand puts the visitors ahead on 18 minutes in the Champions League semi-final at the Emirates Stadium.
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) April 26, 2026
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The home side went close in the 39th minute when Foord sent a header from a looping McCabe cross back across goal and just wide of the far post.
The Gunners felt they should have been given a penalty in the 51st minute when Kim Little was sent tumbling under a challenge from Wendie Renard. After a long look at the pitchside monitor, the referee ruled there had been a slight touch on the ball from the Lyon captain and overturned the decision.
Ingrid Syrstad Engen's own goal brings Arsenal level at the Emirates Stadium in the Champions League semi-finals.
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) April 26, 2026
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A blunder by Lyon keeper Endler then gifted Arsenal an equaliser in the 58th minute.
Mariona Caldentey swept in a low free-kick from the left, which drifted across the six-yard box.
Arsenal forward Stina Blackstenius looked to dart in ahead of Endler, who failed to gather the ball which trickled on towards the far post. Lyon defender Engen then stabbed her attempted clearance against the woodwork and back over the line.
After a VAR check for a possible block on Lyon defender Renard, the goal was given.
Olivia Smith gives Arsenal a precious lead over Lyon in the Champions League semi-final first leg at the Emirates Stadium.
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) April 26, 2026
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Lyon forward Kadidiatou Diani sent a rising drive against the crossbar in the 66th minute before Endler was then again at fault for Arsenal’s late winner.
The Lyon keeper and Engen collided as they both hesitated when dealing with a routine backpass into the penalty area, which allowed Smith to collect the loose ball and slot it into an empty net.
