Arsenal, the defending Women's Champions League titleholders, overcame an early deficit to secure a crucial 2-1 victory over Lyon in the first leg of their semifinal matchup at Emirates Stadium. The Gunners trailed after Jule Brand's 18th-minute goal but turned the tables in the second half, capitalizing on a pair of Lyon mistakes to claim the win.
An error by goalkeeper Christiane Endler led to an own goal by Ingrid Engen, and a late mix-up between Endler and Engen allowed Olivia Smith to score into an empty net. This loss marks only Lyon's second defeat of the season and their first away loss to an English side in the Women's Champions League. Arsenal's win sets the stage for a thrilling second leg in France next Saturday, as they aim to retain their title.