Olympique Lyonnais Féminin have booked their place in the final of the UEFA Women’s Champions League after a dramatic 3-1 victory over Arsenal Women FC in the semi-final second leg on Saturday.
The French side progressed 4-3 on aggregate, with Jule Brand netting the decisive goal in the 86th minute at the Groupama Stadium. Her late strike, confirmed after a tense VAR check for offside, sealed Lyon’s place in yet another European final.
Lyon, trailing 2-1 from the first leg, started strongly but saw an early goal ruled out following a VAR review. They eventually took the lead through a retaken penalty converted by Wendie Renard after an initial save.
Kadidiatou Diani extended Lyon’s advantage before Arsenal responded through Alessia Russo, whose goal brought the tie level on aggregate and set the stage for a tense finish.
With extra time looming, Brand produced the match-winning moment, guiding Lyon into the final where they will aim to secure a record-extending ninth European title.
Head coach Jonatan Giraldez praised his team’s performance, describing it as a strong showing against one of the world’s top sides. Arsenal manager Renee Slegers, however, expressed disappointment, noting that fine margins decided the outcome.
Lyon will face either FC Bayern Munich Women or FC Barcelona Femení in the final scheduled for May 23 in Oslo.
