The UEFA Women`s Champions League semifinals are set to begin on Saturday, featuring Arsenal against Lyon, and Barcelona versus Chelsea on Sunday. These four teams from three nations will compete in a two-legged semifinal for a spot in the final in Lisbon, Portugal this May.
Arsenal and Lyon`s semifinal match marks their first encounter in this stage since the 2010-11 season. Lyon previously won that series with a 5-2 aggregate victory. While some familiar faces remain, like Wendie Renard for Lyon and Kim Little for Arsenal, both teams have evolved significantly with new coaches and players.
Arsenal`s manager Renée Slegers and Lyon`s coach Joe Montemurro are dealing with player injuries ahead of this crucial match. Arsenal`s goalkeeper Daphne Von Damselarr is nursing an ankle injury, and Lyon`s captain Wendie Renard has a foot injury, though she might still play.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, April 19
- Time: 7:30 a.m. ET
- Location: Emirates Stadium, London, England
- Live stream: DAZN
- Odds: Arsenal +263; Draw +259; Lyon -111
Women`s Champions League Semifinal Schedule
All times Eastern
Semifinals
Saturday April 19
Arsenal vs Lyon (7:30 a.m. ET)
Sunday April 20 (first leg)
Barcelona vs Chelsea (12 p.m. ET)
Sunday 27 April (second legs)
Chelsea vs. Barcelona (9 a.m. ET)
Lyon vs. Arsenal (12 p.m. ET)
Women`s Champions League Final
May 24 (Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal)
Winner of Arsenal-Lyon vs. Winner of Barcelona-Chelsea (12 p.m. ET)
Previous Arsenal vs. Lyon Matchup
2022-23 group stage:
- Lyon 1-5 Arsenal
- Arsenal 0-1 Lyon
These teams last played in the UEFA Women`s Champions League group stage in Group C, each winning one of their two matches. Frida Maanum, then with Lyon, scored against Arsenal in their first match. However, Arsenal defeated Lyon 5-1 in their second game and topped the group.
Arsenal`s Perspective
The managers share mutual respect, having worked together at Arsenal when Montemurro managed from 2017 to 2021, and Slegers was part of his coaching staff.
`Lyon is a very strong opponent. We greatly respect them, their players, and Coach Joe Montemurro. It will be a significant challenge, but we are eager for it,` Slegers stated before the match.
`Joe Montemurro has been a mentor to me in the UEFA mentorship program. I learned from him the importance of specificity and a less-is-more approach. His determination and hard work, combined with his positive attitude, have been inspiring.`
Lyon`s Viewpoint
Joe Montemurro has extensive experience in women`s football, managing teams like Melbourne Victory, Melbourne City, Arsenal, and Juventus before Lyon. This semifinal marks his first game against Arsenal since the 2022-23 UWCL group stage when he coached Juventus.
`Arsenal deserves to be a top team in this competition. Their fanbase and their contribution to women`s football, especially in the UK and Europe, have been remarkable,` he commented.
`We anticipate a lively, pro-Arsenal atmosphere. We must concentrate on our game and not get distracted. If Lyon performs to its potential and focuses on the match, we can deliver a strong performance.`
Projected Lineups
Arsenal lineup: Manuela Zinsberger; Emily Fox, Leah Williamson, Steph Catley, Kate McCabe; Kim Little, Frida Maanum, Mariona Caldentey; Chloe Kelly, Caitlin Foord, Alessia Russo
Lyon lineup: Cristiane Endler; Elle Carpenter, Vanessa Gilles, Wendie Renard, Salma Bacha; Damaris Egurrola, Lindsey Heaps, Dzenifer Marozsan; Tabitha Chawinga, Kadidiatou Diani, Melchi Dumornay
American Players to Watch
Emily Fox, Arsenal: The USWNT defender has quickly become vital for Arsenal with her athleticism and defensive skills, crucial for stopping Lyon`s attacks and initiating counters.
Lindsey Heaps, Lyon: As USWNT captain, Heaps brings crucial midfield leadership to Lyon, controlling pace and contributing to both attack and defense.
Match Prediction
Arsenal’s home advantage at Emirates Stadium will be significant. However, Lyon`s strong attack will likely test Arsenal`s defense and secure a slight lead for the second leg in France. Prediction: Arsenal 1, Lyon 2
