- Match status: Arsenal (W) hold a 2-1 advantage in their UEFA Women’s Champions League 2025-2026 semi-final after a dramatic first leg at the Emirates Stadium.
- Betting odds: Lyon (W) are the bookmakers’ favourite for the single match.
- Domestic form: The hosts are the dominant force in Division 1 Féminine this season, with 63 points from 20 games.
Olympique Lyonnais (W) will test the Arsenal (W) defence
Arsenal (W) won the first leg of their UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) semi-final 2-1, so hold a slight advantage heading to Lyon on Saturday, but Lyon (W) are the favorites to win the single leg showdown.
The bookmakers’ odds of 1.63 for Lyon (W) to win the game, compared to Arsenal (W) at 4.61 and the draw at 4.1, reflect the relative strength of these two sides in Europe this season. But Arsenal’s form in the knockout rounds, particularly their ability to come from behind, suggests they will travel to Lyon full of confidence.
Gunners’ young star Olivia Smith, who scored the winner in the first leg, is the rising star of the squad and a player who steps up to the plate on the big European nights, but she is not the only player capable of providing the goods for the visitors this weekend.
Gunners’ manager has turned Arsenal into a European force
Arsenal’s approach
Renée Slegers has turned Arsenal into one of the most exciting teams in the world by getting her high-pressing, high-tempo, high-turnover team to perform at the top level. They have balanced a deep run in this competition with some superb attacking performances in the WSL, netting five against Tottenham and five against West Ham in March.
Leah Williamson’s return from injury has helped Arsenal to keep things tight at the back against Lyon’s multi-pronged attack and they have enough to do so again.
Lyon’s domestic dominance
Jonatan Giráldez’s side, who have been playing a possession-based game since he took over in June 2025, are the outstanding force in French women’s soccer. They have dominated Division 1 Féminine, collecting 63 points from 20 matches, but were hurt by Arsenal’s winner at the Emirates.
Lyon’s attack can cut through the Gunners’ defence
Goal threats and key players
- Christiane Endler between the posts gives them the confidence to press and play some beautiful soccer, but Arsenal will disrupt their rhythm and cause some problems of their own.
- Melchie Dumornay, a key threat for Lyon, is the biggest threat to the Gunners, but Kadidiatou Diani and Tabitha Chawinga are also capable of hurting them.
- With Alessia Russo still the top scorer in all competitions for Arsenal, the ‘Both teams to score - Yes’ market is heavily favored at 1.57 and we are taking that, given how much attacking talent is on show.
Match factors and prediction
Weather forecasts suggest there could be thunderstorms in Lyon on Saturday, which could add to the tension in a semi-final showdown in which every decision and every duel will count.
Lyon have a much stronger home record in Europe than Arsenal, but the visitors have recent knockout pedigree and comeback wins and will probably travel with the same belief. This tie is finely balanced with the aggregate score at 2-1 to Arsenal, but Lyon will win at home if they can overturn the deficit. Back the hosts to edge this one 2-1 and claim the scalp of the mighty Gunners.
