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Lyon Women Upset Arsenal 4-3 to Reach Final

5/3/2026

Summary

Lyon Upsets Arsenal

Lyon Women defeated Arsenal Women 4-3 on aggregate in the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final on May 2 2026.
Jule Brand’s late goal, confirmed after a three-minute VAR off-side check, gave Lyon a 3-1 second-leg win that overturned Arsenal’s 2-1 first-leg lead, with goals also from Wendie Renard (penalty) and Kadidiatou Diani.
Lyon will meet either Bayern Munich or Barcelona in the final on May 23 2026 in Oslo.

Summary

Lyon Reaches Final

Lyon president Michele Kang embraced the players after the victory, showing leadership involvement.
In his first season, Jonatan Giraldez guided Lyon to the title and a Champions League final, avenging last season’s knockout loss.
Arsenal’s title hopes have faded as Manchester City is projected to clinch the Women’s Super League after winning its final two games.
Lyon reaches its Champions League final since 2021/22, marking a return to continental prominence.

Summary

Disney+ Secures Rights

Disney+ secured exclusive European rights to broadcast all Women’s Champions League matches in 2026.
In the United States the Lyon-Arsenal semifinal aired on Fubo, Paramount+ and CBS Sports Network 9:00 AM GMT on 2 May 2026.
OneSoccer posted live Twitter updates and video highlights for mobile fans.
The shift to subscription services ends free-to-air TV coverage in several European markets, leading viewers without rights to bypass geo-blocks with VPN service ExpressVPN.

Summary

Arsenal Depleted

Over 20,000 tickets have been sold for the second-leg semi-final in Lyon, showing fan demand.
Arsenal will be without goalkeeper Steph Catley, forward Beth Mead and midfielders Manu Zinsberger, Katie Reid and Michelle Agyemang due to injuries.
Chloe Kelly returns after a muscle strain, giving Arsenal an extra attacking option.
Lyon have won 18 of the last 19 league titles, demonstrating domestic dominance.
Wendie Renard has played in each of Lyon’s eight Champions League victories, a unique record.

History

Historical Context

Olympique Lyonnais Féminin took part in the 2010-11 UEFA Women’s Champions League, a season that began the club’s sustained presence in Europe. That experience resurfaced in the 2026 semi-final, when Jule Brand’s late goal sparked a comeback against Arsenal Women before 20,000 spectators. The match highlights Lyon’s enduring role in continental women’s football.

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Lyon Upsets Arsenal

Lyon Women defeated Arsenal Women 4-3 on aggregate in the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final on May 2 2026.
Jule Brand’s late goal, confirmed after a three-minute VAR off-side check, gave Lyon a 3-1 second-leg win that overturned Arsenal’s 2-1 first-leg lead, with goals also from Wendie Renard (penalty) and Kadidiatou Diani.
Lyon will meet either Bayern Munich or Barcelona in the final on May 23 2026 in Oslo.

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