Jule Brand's dramatic late winner propelled OL Lyonnes into the Women's Champions League final, ending Arsenal's title defense in a thrilling semi-final second leg. The German forward's composed finish in the dying minutes secured a 2-0 victory on the night, sealing a 4-3 aggregate triumph and sending Lyon to their record-extending 12th European final.
Match Decided by VAR Drama
With the tie level at 3-3 on aggregate after Alessia Russo's goal for Arsenal and seemingly heading for extra time, Brand collected Melchie Dumornay's chipped through ball and slotted a neat finish into the far corner. The goal was initially disallowed for offside, but after a three-minute VAR check, it was awarded, sparking joyous celebrations among the home supporters.
Arsenal manager Renée Slegers conceded Lyon were the better team. "Lyon raised their levels. They came out really strong. They had Selma Bacha and Melchie Dumornay back, who are world-class players," she said. "They were really effective in certain moments. It was a very tight game, small margins – very disappointing for us."
Lyon's Dominance from the Start
Lyon caused Arsenal extensive problems, particularly in the first half. Dumornay seemed everywhere, while youngster Lily Yohannes pulled the strings in midfield. Kadidiatou Diani's pace on the right wing was a constant threat. The eight-time European champions thought they had an early goal when Lindsey Horan headed in from a corner, but VAR ruled Ingrid Engen offside in front of Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar.
Lyon opened the scoring after another lengthy VAR check. Lotte Wubben-Moy was penalized for a foul on Dumornay, who was too quick for the Arsenal defender. Wendie Renard's penalty was saved by Van Domselaar, but the officials ordered a retake after the goalkeeper stepped off her line early. Renard made no mistake at the second attempt, sending Van Domselaar the wrong way.
Arsenal continued to look vulnerable from Brand's set pieces. She picked out Diani at the back post to make it 2-0, with home fans bouncing to the beat of a drum as hopes grew of a trip to the final in Oslo on 23 May.
Arsenal's Fightback Falls Short
Arsenal rarely tested Lyon goalkeeper Christiane Endler but went close twice just before the hour mark. Stina Blackstenius, scorer of their winning goal in last season's final, hit the woodwork before the offside flag was raised. Olivia Smith's scrappy effort then hit the base of the post.
The game took a twist when substitute Smilla Holberg sent over a terrific cross that Russo diverted into the far corner, darting between two defenders. It was her ninth Champions League goal, making her the outright leading scorer this season.
Dumornay's dipping shot dropped narrowly wide before she turned provider for Brand, booking a meeting with either Barcelona or Bayern Munich in the final.
Coaches React
Lyon coach Jonatan Giráldez, who led Barcelona from 2021-24, said: "Losing the first leg was tough, but the important thing was to bounce back. We played great football and we deserved the win."
Slegers added: "They were the better team. It's disappointment at the moment because we were so close and we all believed we could do it, even though we went through hard times today. The players are so humble and work so hard. I wish for them all to go to a final, but unfortunately this is football."
