LONDON (AP) — Arsenal benefited from two defensive lapses with a 2-1 win over Lyon in the first leg of their Women’s Champions League semi-final on Sunday, putting the English club on track to defend their title.
Lyon, who had won a record eight times, were forced back by Jules Brand’s goal in the 19th minute, but Arsenal were rewarded with an equalizer in the 59th minute when Mariona Caldenti’s low free-kick into the area was fumbled backwards by goalkeeper Christiane Endler and fell over the post. Lyon centre-back Ingrid Engen was stretching to clear the ball when she accidentally let the ball go into her own net.
Engen compounded his mistake in the 83rd minute when he misread a back pass from teammate Lindsey Heaps. Olivia Smith reached the ball before Engen, had a shot saved by Endler, and recovered with a rebound.
The return match will be played in Lyon on Saturday.
In the other semi-final, Bayern Munich will face Barcelona. Fixed at 1-1 After the first leg in Germany.
The final will be held in Oslo on May 23rd.
Arsenal are aiming to beat Lyon in the semi-finals for the second consecutive year. Last season, Lyon won the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, but lost the second leg 4-1, giving Arsenal their second title.
This time Arsenal held the advantage at half-time.
Arsenal captain Leah Williamson said: “Lyon are a giant in European football and like us they have a great crowd.” “So intensity for the occasion will be key. We have to be really clinical and defensively safe, but we’ll see.”
Brand’s solo goal brightened up a tense first half. Brand broke through the heart of Arsenal’s defense through the inside left channel, cut into the area and fired a low shot inside the post.
During Arsenal’s goal, Lyon forward Kadidiatou Diani hit the crossbar with a shot.
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