Arsenal Women will need to come from 2-1 down against record Champions League winners Lyon in order for Renée Slegers’ side to reach a second European final in the club’s history.

The Gunners overturned a 2-0 first leg defeat to Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, winning 3-0 at Emirates Stadium, but Arsenal’s semi-final second leg comeback will have to be pulled off at Lyon’s Groupama Stadium.

Over 500 travelling fans will back Slegers’ outfit on Sunday evening, including a record number travelling from the UK to cheer on the Gunners.

Tonight’s venue! pic.twitter.com/GXx7UTXkqZ

— Freddie Cardy (@CardyFreddie) April 27, 2025

Lyon fielded a fully changed young side in a midweek league win over Nantes, whilst Arsenal have enjoyed a full week to prepare to face the French champions.

“We've had a seven-day turnaround, which we barely have, so that's been good for us,” said Slegers at London Colney on Friday. 

“Of course, the first two days are about reviewing and recovering, and that's what we've done. And then in the middle of the week, we've trained hard, we've worked hard. And we've tried to work on all the details together with the team that we want to bring on Sunday. 

“So it's been a good situation of us being able to spend a lot of time together and work towards this second leg. And I think the environment has been very positive and constructive.”

Left-back Katie McCabe, a reported Lyon transfer target last year, said that Arsenal are “seeing the benefits” of their comeback wins under Slegers.

“The Real Madrid game, the Bayern Munich game… but this is something we've been conscious of probably for a long time. Because I think to be champions and really progress in Europe and win competitions, you have to have that aspect in the game, not just individually, but as a team. 

“And I think when we've went down a goal or two or had to turn the leg around or different playing conditions, if you're away somewhere, you need to see that, respect it, and then focus on what we can do and what we can control. Obviously, the most recent one was the Real Madrid game, and I think conditions were what it was away from home. 

“But yes, we kept it in our control of bringing them back to the Emirates and playing our football and playing the Arsenal way. And, yes, it obviously helps then when it comes off. But it's something that we've been working on and conscious of over the last year or two, for sure.”

Slegers said: W"ell, 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.

"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.

Lyon host Arsenal at 5pm UK time, with either Barcelona or Chelsea awaiting in Lisbon for the Champions League final next month. Barcelona have a 4-1 first leg lead to take to Stamford Bridge.

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