The UEFA Women`s Champions League semifinals are set to begin, featuring Arsenal against Lyon, and Barcelona versus Chelsea. These four teams from three different countries will compete in a two-leg semifinal for a spot in the final in Lisbon, Portugal.
Arsenal and Lyon`s semifinal clash marks their first meeting at this stage since 2010-11, when Lyon won 5-2 on aggregate. While some familiar faces remain, like Wendie Renard for Lyon and Kim Little for Arsenal, both teams have evolved with new coaches and players.
Arsenal`s manager Renée Slegers and Lyon`s coach Joe Montemurro are dealing with player injuries. Arsenal`s goalkeeper Daphne Von Damselarr is injured, and Lyon`s captain Wendie Renard is also managing a foot injury, though both might be available.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, April 19
- Location: Emirates Stadium — London, England
- Live stream: DAZN
Women`s Champions League Schedule
Semifinals
Saturday April 19
Arsenal vs Lyon
Sunday April 20 (first leg)
Barcelona vs Chelsea
Sunday 27 April (second legs)
Chelsea vs. Barcelona
Lyon vs. Arsenal
Women`s Champions League Final
May. 24 (Estádio José Alvalade — Lisbon, Portugal)
Winner of Arsenal-Lyon vs. Winner of Barcelona-Chelsea
Previous Arsenal vs. Lyon Match
2022-23 group stage:
- Lyon 1-5 Arsenal
- Arsenal 0-1 Lyon
These teams met in the UEFA Women`s Champions League group stage in group C, each winning one match. Frida Maanum, then with Lyon, scored against Arsenal in the first match. Arsenal defeated Lyon 5-1 in their second game and won the group.
Arsenal`s Perspective
Both managers respect each other, having worked together at Arsenal when Montemurro managed from 2017 to 2021 and Slegers was a coach.
Slegers commented, `They are a strong team. We respect their team, players, and coach Joe Montemurro. It`s a big challenge, but we are ready for it.`
She added about Montemurro, `He has been a mentor in the UEFA program. I learned from him to keep things simple and specific. He is determined and hardworking, but also positive and sometimes playful.`
Lyon`s Perspective
Montemurro has coached women`s teams for a long time, including Melbourne Victory, Melbourne City, Arsenal, Juventus, and now Lyon. This semifinal is his first match against Arsenal since the 2022-23 UWCL group stage when he coached Juventus.
He said, `[Arsenal] deserves to be at this level. Their fans and their impact on women`s football in the UK and Europe have been significant.`
He anticipates a strong pro-Arsenal atmosphere and stated, `We need to focus on our game. If Lyon plays to its potential, we`ll perform well.`
Predicted 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: This USWNT defender has quickly become important for Arsenal. Her speed, crossing, and defense are key for her team, and she will be important against Lyon`s attack.
Lindsey Heaps, Lyon: The USWNT captain is a leader in Lyon`s midfield. Her control and contributions in attack and defense are crucial for Lyon.
Match Prediction
Arsenal has a home advantage, but Lyon`s strong attack will challenge Arsenal`s defense. Lyon is predicted to win narrowly in the first leg. Prediction: Arsenal 1, Lyon 2
