- Team form: Arsenal have scored 13 goals in their last three March matches, including a 5-2 derby win over Tottenham
- Domestic record: Lyon are unbeaten in France’s D1 Féminine this season, winning 17 and drawing two of 19 games
- Head-to-head: Both teams have won one knockout match on each other’s home turf in this competition
Rivals renew their UWCL rivalry
Arsenal (W) and Olympique Lyonnais (W) renew their fierce rivalry in the first leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final on Sunday as both clubs look to book their place in the final in Oslo. There’s not much to separate these two European powerhouses in the bookmakers with Lyon a shade of favorites at 2.44 to Arsenal’s 2.53 in what promises to be a hard-fought affair.
The Gunners slipped up at home to Chelsea in the second leg of their UWCL quarter-final, but a superb performance saw them through to the last four. And with no reported injuries to key players, Renée Slegers’ side should be able to field their best XI in this contest with the Londoners still third in the WSL table on 38 points from 17 matches. Arsenal remain a devastating force in attack with Beth Mead and Olivia Smith providing the width and creativity while Russo is a talisman and game-changer.
Lyon look to extend their European dominance
But Lyon have the deeper pedigree with eight UWCL titles to the Gunners’ one and made a statement by thrashing Wolfsburg 4-0 in the quarter-final after losing the first leg 1-0 in Germany. They have been almost as ruthless as Arsenal at the other end, with Melchie Dumornay setting the pace in the UWCL.
Lyon, who are unbeaten domestically this season, look poised to make it to another final and add to their storied history with this competition. Vicki Bècho, Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Tabitha Chawinga add to the attacking options for Lyon, while Wendie Renard anchors the defence.
Expect fireworks in UWCL semi-final
Knockout history
The two teams have traded wins on each other’s turf in recent knockout encounters, but Arsenal have the psychological edge of having won the most recent meeting and the home advantage.
Tactical battle and betting
- Lyon are a well-drilled team that can win games by being patient and dominating possession, but Arsenal are a fast-paced, high-pressing side that can play wide and make teams pay when they get into the front third.
- Both will be at their best and looking to gain the upper hand in this first leg and it’s difficult to see one being too dominant.
- Therefore, Arsenal should just edge it on home soil, and despite Lyon being slight favorites, the ‘Both teams to score - Yes’ market at 1.44 looks the best play for this clash of European titans.
