Arsenal travelled to Lyon for the second leg of their Women's Champions League semi-final, going in 2-1 on aggregate, it was all to play for. The teams came out to the sounds of over 500 travelling Gooners, a huge turnout for a huge tie.

A nervous start saw Arsenal on the front foot, going forward from the first whistle, and Kim Little found herself in possession just inside the box, a big chance for Arsenal, but the strike was saved by Christine Endler.

The search for an early goal continued, and Arsenal won a corner, and a mix-up in front of goal saw the ball go in, an own goal for Endler, and an aggregate equaliser for the Gunners.

Calm and collected play was needed now as Lyon started to press, possessing the ball and controlling the game. A corner for the home side saw Daphne van Domselaar come off her line to try and claim the ball, leaving the goal unattended and the ball at the feet of Wendie Renard, who sent the ball over the net, a lucky escape for Arsenal. 

Arsenal pressed well, often winning the ball back as Lyon tried to play out from the back. Another big chance presented itself, as Alessia Russo headed the ball, but sent it just wide.

A late challenge from Frida Maanum on Melchie Dumornay saw Lyon awarded a free kick in a dangerous area at the top of the penalty area. A confident looking van Domselaar watched as Selma Bacha sent it over the goal. Lyon were starting to wake up, but the Gunners’ backline stayed strong against the threatening waves of attack.

The rest of the first half continued, and looked like the teams would go in with the score as it was. But Mariona Caldentey, in the 45th minute, struck the ball brilliantly to give Arsenal the lead for the first time. A huge save from van Domselaar signalled the end of the half, 2-0 (3-2) to the Gunners.

No changes at the half, the game resumed. Just 40 seconds into play, Alessia Russo gave Arsenal their third with a fantastic finish. What a game for the travelling fans!

Lyon did not ease their intensity, with van Domselaar needing to make a couple of crucial saves to keep them at bay. 

Arsenal’s high press saw them rewarded again, when a defensive mistake from Lyon saw Caitlin Foord finding herself in space, she took her time, and struck the back of the net, 4-0 to the Gunners.

The 70th minute saw Blackstenius and Mead replace Russo and Kelly who both applauded the loyal Arsenal fans as they made way.

 Lyon were patient and were rewarded when a strike from Dumornay gave them their first of the night. Shortly afterwards, they had another chance from a corner, and with van Domselaar stranded in the middle of the area, it was a huge miss for the French side.

Neither team slowed down, heading into five minutes of injury time, with Lyon continuing to put balls into the box. Arsenal just needed to see this out, with glimpses of a Lisbon final growing stronger for fans and players. 

A VAR check in the 95th minute brought yet more tension, and Lyon continued their attack until the final whistle. Arsenal’s incredible defensive performance didn’t stop and Lyon were left wanting until the end.

The final whistle blew, sending Arsenal to their first UWCL final in 18 years, an incredible performance and an incredible comeback from a tenacious Arsenal side.