Season
30 May 2026
Highlights
7′ Goal by Russo, opening the scoring for Arsenal.
17′ GOAL! After an initial shot was saved by the Arsenal goalkeeper, Melchie Dumornay doesn’t give up and puts the ball in the back of the net on the rebound.
23′ GOAL! Melchie Dumornay doubles the lead with a splendid strike that gives the London goalkeeper no chance.
Summary
The Champions League made its grand return with a prestigious match between Arsenal and Lyon. Two giants of European football clashed at Meadow Park for the opening day of the competition’s new format. On one side, the Gunners, reigning European champions, who had eliminated Lyon in the semi-finals, relied on their teamwork and the support of their fans to make a strong start. On the other, Lyon, eight-time European champions, sought to impose their rhythm and confirm their status as a benchmark.
The match started at a blistering pace at Meadow Park. In the 7th minute, Alessia Russo opened the scoring for Arsenal with a precise strike (1-0, 7′). Despite falling behind, our players didn’t take long to respond. In the 17th minute, Melchie Dumornay saw her first attempt saved by the London goalkeeper, but our striker followed up perfectly to tap the ball into the net and level the score (1-1, 17′).
Buoyed by this equalizer, Lyon took control of the game. Six minutes later, our Haitian player scored her second goal with a superb strike from the edge of the box, leaving the Arsenal goalkeeper with no chance (1-2, 23′). Despite some dangerous attempts from the English side, thwarted by an excellent performance from Tiane Endler (25′), our players dominated proceedings.
Chances came thick and fast before the break: Selma Bacha found Tabitha Chawinga in the center (40′), then a cross from Kadidiatou Diani to Marie-Antoinette Katoto narrowly missed the target (42′).
A first half largely controlled by Lyon, solid and inspired, who went into the break with a deserved lead.
Returning from the locker room, our Red and Blues displayed the same determination. Solid defensively and well-organized, they contained Arsenal’s attacks while posing a threat on the counter-attack. Selma Bacha and Kadidiatou Diani made numerous forward runs, looking to supply the Lyon attack, which remained as incisive as ever with its runs in behind the defense.
The match became more balanced, with each team responding to every attack in an intense midfield battle. The duels grew increasingly physical, but our Lyon players demonstrated their experience and collective mastery.
A victory achieved with authority and character, a symbol of a group capable of rising to the occasion in major European matches. Lyon thus begins its European campaign in the best possible way, securing a win against a prestigious opponent.
Match report
At Meadow Park
Women’s Champions League (J1) : Arsenal – OL Lyonnes
Goals: Russo (7’) for Arsenal
Dumornay (18’, 23’) for OL Lyonnes
Warnings: Mead (35’), Maanum (84’) pour Arsenal
Katoto (5’) Tarciane (78’) pour OL Lyonnes
Arsenal : Van Domselaar, Fox, Reid, Catley, Hinds (McCabe), Mariona (Cooney-Cross), Little, Maanum, Kelly (Foord), Mead (Smith), Russo (Blackstenius)
OL Lyonnes : Endler, Tarciane, Renard, Engen, Bacha, Heaps (Damaris), Dumornay, Shrader (Yohannes), Diani, Katoto (Hegerberg), Chawinga (Joseph) (Brand)
