The stage is set for a thrilling UEFA Women’s Champions League semifinal showdown this weekend, with Arsenal hosting Lyon and Chelsea taking on familiar foes in Barcelona.
The storylines are practically written. All four teams are under new leadership and are hungry to secure a place in the coveted final in Lisbon next month.
For Lyon’s new manager, Joe Montemurro, this clash holds extra significance as he faces his former club, Arsenal. Both sides are still recovering from painful near-misses: Arsenal’s early exit from last season’s qualifiers, and Lyon’s heartbreaking defeat in the final against Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Chelsea and Barcelona are set for an all-too-familiar battle in the semis; it is the third consecutive year that they’ve met at this stage. The Catalans have come out on top both times so far, but can they complete a third straight victory over the Quadruple-hunting Blues?
ESPN’s Emily Keogh, Julien Laurens and Sam Marsden have weighed in with their opinions and predictions.
ARSENAL vs. LYON
What state are Arsenal in?
Arsenal are in strong form heading into this pivotal clash. They’ve scored four or more goals in each of their last six home games in the Women’s Super League — an impressive run that underlines their attacking prowess — and recently pulled off a dramatic comeback against Real Madrid in the quarterfinals, overturning a two-goal deficit to reach this stage.
On paper, they look well placed to challenge Lyon, but injuries threaten to unravel their campaign just as momentum builds. Manager Renée Slegers, confirmed in the role full-time after stepping in following Jonas Eidevall’s departure, faces her toughest test yet. She may be without three key players: Daphne van Domselaar, Alessia Russo and Chloe Kelly. While Slegers described their availability for the first leg as “touch and go,” sources told ESPN that goalkeeper Van Domselaar is expected to miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury, which is a major blow between the posts.
Slegers has already shown resilience in the face of adversity and Arsenal fans will remember their 5-1 triumph over Lyon in 2022 fondly. But this time, the challenge feels steeper and ghosts of their past still linger. Lyon are back to winning ways and their squad has been rebalanced following the return of key players, while Arsenal face a similar predicament to two seasons ago. — EK
What state are Lyon in?
The French champions are cruising in the league, eight points clear of PSG, and are still unbeaten after 20 games (W18, D2, and with a goal difference of +81). But we have seen signs of defensive fragility lately.
On Saturday, at home against Paris FC, Lyon conceded a late equaliser in the 92nd minute to draw 2-2. We had seen them under pressure against Bayern Munich in the previous round of the Champions League, too, where they were outplayed in the first half of the first leg in Germany and then even went behind at half-time of the second leg at home.
Captain and defensive leader Wendie Renard had to get angry at half-time to force her teammates to react and they eventually came out on top to win 4-1 (6-1 on aggregate). Then, after the Paris FC game, it was Amel Majri who was not happy, saying: “We have to be more rigorous and raise our level.”
Manager Joe Montemurro knows a lot about Arsenal — having coached them from 2017-2021 — but knows he needs to sort out the balance of his team. Lyon have incredible firepower going forward, clearly the best in Europe, with Melchie Dumornay, Tabitha Chawinga, Kadidiatou Diani, Eugénie Le Sommer, Ada Hegerberg, Vicki Bècho and Lindsey Heaps (formerly Horan). But that can leave their defence too exposed at times. — JL
Arsenal player to watch: Mariona Caldentey
With Russo potentially sidelined, Arsenal’s attacking focus will turn to those ready to step up, and few are better placed than Caldentey. In fine form and full of experience, she’s a proven winner, with three Champions League titles from her time at Barcelona.
Caldentey has consistently been the difference-maker for Arsenal this season and could be the key to unlocking Lyon’s defence. Whether she plays on the wing or in midfield, she will be a handful for Lyon to deal with and her ability to elevate those around her will be crucial to foiling Lyon’s attacking threats. — EK
Lyon player to watch: Melchie Dumornay
Dumornay will only turn 22 in August, but she is already among the best players in Europe. The Haiti midfielder has been amazing so far this season and can do it all: score goals (four in seven UWCL games), assist (2), recover the ball (34) and win duels (32).
She can play in a number of positions across Montemurro’s 4-3-3 formation, but is always given a lot of freedom on the pitch and often drops deep in midfield to receive possession and play the ball forward. She will certainly be the main danger for Arsenal. — JL
Prediction
The first leg at the Emirates, something of a fortress for the Gunners, offers Arsenal a valuable home advantage. But with injuries biting on both ends of the pitch, this may be a tighter affair than their recent home record suggests. Lyon won’t find it easy, but Arsenal might be forced onto the back foot. Seeing how Arsenal have turned things around in second legs, Lyon will need to ensure they do everything possible to give themselves enough of a cushion to prevent the Gunners from stealing a win. — EK
On paper, due to the team’s history in the UWCL and the fact that they are still unbeaten in all competitions so far this season, Lyon have to be the favorites — especially with the second leg at home. We have seen a few cracks defensively lately and Arsenal could exploit them, but while I I expect the Gunners to give it a good go, Lyon will be too strong in the end. — JL
