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The stage is set at Parc Olympique Lyonnais…
Ahead of today’s match, Arsenal full-back Katie McCabe said: “I believe on Sunday we can go in and be positive and score goals. We have the quality. We have the class around the team, but we have to be on it. We have to be on it from the get-go. We’ve spoken about, obviously, Lyon and their strengths, but we know what we can do. We have the belief we can go and turn it around.”
Simon and Amelie are optimistic about an Arsenal comeback this evening…
“Let’s stay positive. Arsenal to go one down in the first half but hit back with 3 goals in the second half, like the Madrid game. We can do this!”
During her pre-match press conference, Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers said: “Well, of course, you want to set up yourself so you don’t have to overcome setbacks. That’s the starting point. But we also know that in sports it will happen, because the further you go, the better teams you play against, this will happen.
“You’re going to play against good teams and good players. So what happens with us when we are in that situation and we have to come back within those 90 minutes or in the second leg? And I think the team so far has shown so much strength in those moments. And I think that’s key for us to be a winning team, that whatever happens, we stick to it, we keep on going, we have a mindset of winning, we persist, and we keep on believing in what we’re doing and we’re aligned on that. And I think that’s what the team has been showing.
“They’ve invested so much, the players, into these processes. And I think that’s why we’ve been able to turn things around before. And that, of course, gives us belief for the future as well.”
Here’s Tom Garry’s report from Stamford Bridge if you fancy some pre-match reading…
I want to hear from you! Don’t hesitate to get in touch with any predictions, feelings thoughts and all that jazz. Is a comeback on the cards for Arsenal? Or will it be a second successive final for Lyon?
I also want to know your reaction to Barcelona’s win over Chelsea…
If you fancy more of an in-depth recap of last weekend’s action, read Sophie Downey’s match report here…
So, as we approach kick-off, let’s briefly rewind to last weekend. Over 40,000 people took to the Emirates Stadium on a sunny Easter Saturday to watch the first leg of the Champions League semi-final between Arsenal and Lyon. After a nervous start, the Gunners began growing into the match but missed some glaring opportunities in front of goal. The home side found themselves behind when Kadidiatou Diani finished off a rapid Lyon attack.
Arsenal looked completely rejuvenated after half-time and pushed for an equaliser - which came when Mariona Caldentey converted a penalty in the 78th minute. But it didn’t take long for Melchie Dumornay to restore Lyon’s advantage by capitalising on a lapse in concentration from the Arsenal defence. The match finished 2-1 to Lyon, handing a huge boost to the French giants ahead of their home leg.
Elsewhere in the Women’s Champions League today, Barcelona have booked their place in the final with another 4-1 win over Chelsea (8-2 agg). Join Xaymaca Awoyungbo for all the reaction as we await kick-off in Lyon.
Daphne van Domselaar has returned to the Arsenal matchday squad for the first time since the international break. The goalkeeper suffered an injury to her ankle while on duty for Netherlands earlier this month and there were initial fears that she could miss several weeks of action. However, she has made a swift return in time for this huge game. Lotte Wubben-Moy is also back for the London side, although she starts on the bench.
Team news
Arsenal starting line-up: Daphne van Domselaar; Emily Fox, Leah Williamson, Steph Catley, Katie McCabe, Kim Little (C), Mariona Caldentey, Frida Maanum; Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo, Caitlin Foord. Substitutes: Manuela Zinsberger, Naomi Williams, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Amanda Ilestedt, Katie Reid, Jenna Nighswonger, Lia Wälti, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Victoria Pelova, Rosa Kafaji, Beth Mead, Stina Blackstenius.
Lyon starting line-up: Christiane Endler; Ellie Carpenter, Vanessa Gilles, Wendie Renard, Selma Bacha, Damaris Egurrola, Lindsey Heaps, Melchie Dumornay; Tabitha Chawinga, Ada Hegerberg, Kadidiatou Diani. Substitutes: Laura Benkarth, Sofia Huerta, Elma Junttila Nelhage, Alice Sombath, Sofie Svava, Tarciane, Sara Däbritz, Amel Majri, Dzsenifer Marozsán, Daniëlle van de Donk, Vicki Bècho, Eugénie Le Sommer.
Preamble
It’s crunch time. A place in the Champions League final awaits the winner of this evening’s highly-anticipated clash between Lyon and Arsenal. The French side approach the match with a one-goal advantage having won the first leg 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium. However, a place on the bill at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon is still within Arsenal’s reach.
Renée Slegers and Co believe they can overturn the scoreline, but it’ll be easier said than done. Nevertheless, it’s certainly not impossible.
Kick-off is at 5pm BST - you don’t want to miss it!
