Agony for McCabe and Arsenal as Lyon pull off second-leg comeback

French giants end Gunners' European defence at the penultimate hurdle with a 3-1 win at Groupama Stadium on Saturday.

END OF LINE: Katie McCabe of Arsenal applauds the fans after the team's defeat in the UEFA Women's Champions League 2025/26 Semi-Final Second Leg match between OL Lyonnes and Arsenal FC at OL Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Decines-Charpieu, France. Pic: Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Arsenal’s Champions League defence ended as Lyon overturned a first-leg deficit to reach the final with a 3-1 win at Groupama Stadium on Saturday.

A twice-taken penalty from captain Wendie Renard and a Kadidiatou Diani volley in the first half put the French side ahead in the tie but the Gunners hit back through Alessia Russo.

Olivia Smith also hit the woodwork in a strong second-half showing by the holders but Jule Brand secured a 4-3 aggregate success with a well-taken goal four minutes from time.

Renee Slegers’ side, leading 2-0 after the first leg in London, paid the price for a slow start.

Lyon should have scored inside two minutes but Ada Hegerberg failed to make clean contact with Diani’s inviting ball after a surging run.

Arsenal had an early chance when Kim Little’s effort from a corner was blocked by Selma Bacha but soon had another let-off.

With seven minutes gone Lindsey Heaps headed home from a Bacha corner, but the goal was ruled out for offside against Ingrid Engen, who was in front of goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar.

Lyon took the lead in the 21st minute from a re-taken penalty after Melchie Dumornay was tripped by Lotte Wubben-Moy.

Renard’s first effort was saved by Van Domselaar but replays showed the keeper had moved off her line. Renard kept her composure to score at the second attempt.

Lyon doubled their lead nine minutes before half-time through a superb finish by Diani, who volleyed home from a tight angle following a Brand corner.

Arsenal rallied after the break and a clever free-kick released Russo but she shot across goal.

Stina Blackstenius rattled the woodwork from distance, though the referee had already stopped play.

There was no doubt over Smith’s effort as she poked past Christiane Endler but it rebounded off the post.

Arsenal were rewarded 15 minutes from time when Russo turned in a Smilla Holmberg cross but could not hold on.

Ireland captain Katie McCabe was hauled ashore with seven minutes to go having been on a booking.

Mere minutes later Brand snatched victory as she controlled a Dumornay cross and clipped past Van Domselaar.

A lengthy VAR check for offside followed but the goal stood as Lyon sealed a deserved success.