ArsenalTeam·Arsenal and Olympique Lyonnais meet in the first leg of the UEFA Women's Champions League semi-final at Emirates StadiumVenue·Emirates Stadium on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in a rematch of last season's knockout stage. The Gunners, reigning European champions, host the competition's most successful outfit in a two-legged tie that will determine one finalist for the 2026 final.
ArsenalTeam·Arsenal advanced to the semi-finals after eliminating ChelseaTeam·Chelsea in the quarter-finals, while LyonTeam·Lyon dismantled Wolfsburg 4-0 in their second-leg tie to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit and progress with a 4-0 victory on the night. The French side's clinical finishing in extra time—with goals from Melchie Dumornay, Damaris Egurrola, and Tabitha Chawinga—underscored their pedigree as eight-time champions.
The first leg carries significant weight for both sides. ArsenalTeam·Arsenal's home advantage at the Emirates provides an opportunity to build a lead before traveling to Groupama StadiumVenue·Groupama Stadium for the return fixture on May 2. LyonTeam·Lyon, however, arrive in devastating form domestically and will look to replicate their quarter-final dominance.
Key individual battles will shape the contest. ArsenalTeam·Arsenal's attacking threat centers on Alessia RussoPlayer·Alessia Russo, who leads the tournament with eight goals, and Leah Williamson, the defensive cornerstone. For LyonTeam·Lyon, Kadidiatou Diani's creativity and Damaris Egurrola's midfield control will be critical to breaking down ArsenalTeam·Arsenal's structure.
This semi-final represents the second consecutive year these sides have met at this stage, adding narrative weight to an already high-stakes encounter. Bayern MunichTeam·Bayern Munich and BarcelonaTeam·Barcelona contest the other semi-final, setting up a potential all-European final.
Kick-off is scheduled for 3:30 PM BST (10:30 AM ET / 15:30 GMT). The second leg takes place in LyonTeam·Lyon on May 2, 2026.
Arsenal Women celebrate their UEFA Women's Champions League victory at Emirates Stadium. Photo by Nina Farooqi/IMAGO.
Nina Farooqi/IMAGOThis article was generated by AI (sonar-pro). Learn more.
