A controversial late goal awarded after a VAR check sent Lyon to the Champions League final at the expense of reigning champions Arsenal. Lyon defeated Arsenal 3-1 in the second leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-finals, winning 4-3 on aggregate.
Wendie Renard scored a penalty for Lyon after a VAR review confirmed that the initial save was invalid due to the goalkeeper being off her line. Kadidiatou Diani added Lyon’s second goal in the 36th minute. Arsenal fought back with a goal from Alessia Russo in the second half, leveling the aggregate score at 3-3 temporarily.
Yet, Jule Brand scored the decisive goal for Lyon in the 86th minute after a VAR check confirmed she was onside. The match featured nine minutes of added time and had a total of three goals scored by Lyon and one by Arsenal.
The match took place at Groupama Stadium in Lyon. It marked an intense clash between two top teams, with Lyon aiming for their third European title. Officials disallowed a Lyon goal in the first half due to an offside call after another VAR review.
Rachel Brown-Finnis commented on Lyon’s performance, stating, “They were the better team and had the better quality on the pitch.” On Arsenal’s side, Anita Asante noted, “You can’t go into these games with slow starts and let Lyon build momentum.”
Lyon will compete in the Champions League final on May 23 against either Bayern Munich or Barcelona. Meanwhile, Arsenal will return to Barclays Women’s Super League action against Brighton & Hove Albion on May 5.