The UEFA Women`s Champions League semifinal stage begins this Saturday, featuring Arsenal against Lyon, and Barcelona versus Chelsea on Sunday. These four teams from three different countries will compete in a two-leg semifinal for a spot in the final, held in Lisbon, Portugal in May.
Arsenal and Lyon`s semifinal clash marks their first meeting in this round since the 2010-11 UWCL season. Lyon previously overcame Arsenal with a 5-2 aggregate victory. While veterans Wendie Renard (Lyon) and Kim Little (Arsenal) remain, both teams have evolved with new coaches and players since their last encounter.
Arsenal`s manager Renée Slegers and Lyon`s coach Joe Montemurro are managing player injuries before the semifinal. Arsenal`s goalkeeper Daphne Von Damselarr is nursing an ankle injury, and Lyon`s long-time captain Wendie Renard has a foot injury, though both might be available.
Here`s a look at the key aspects of the match:
How to Watch Women`s Champions League
- Date: Saturday, April 19
- Location: Emirates Stadium — London, England
- Live stream: DAZN
Women`s Champions League Schedule
All times Eastern
Semifinals
Saturday April 19
Arsenal vs Lyon (7:30 a.m. ET)
Sunday April 20 (first leg)
Barcelona vs Chelsea (12 p.m. ET)
Sunday 27 April (second legs)
Chelsea vs. Barcelona (9 a.m. ET)
Lyon vs. Arsenal (12 p.m. ET)
Women`s Champions League Final
May 24 (Estádio José Alvalade — Lisbon, Portugal)
Winner of Arsenal-Lyon vs. Winner of Barcelona-Chelsea (12 p.m. ET)
Last Meeting Between Arsenal vs. Lyon
2022-23 group stage:
- Lyon 1-5 Arsenal
- Arsenal 0-1 Lyon
These teams met in the UEFA Women`s Champions League group stage last season in Group C, splitting their matches. Frida Maanum, then with Lyon, scored against Arsenal in the first match. Arsenal defeated Lyon 5-1 in their second encounter and won the group.
What Arsenal Are Saying
The managers, Renée Slegers and Joe Montemurro, have a history, having worked together at Arsenal when Montemurro managed from 2017 to 2021 and Slegers was part of his coaching staff.
Slegers commented, `They are a very strong opponent. We respect them as a team, their individual players, and Coach Joe Montemurro. It will be a significant challenge, but we are looking forward to it and embracing it.`
She added about Montemurro, `I had the honor of having Joe Montemurro as a mentor in the UEFA mentorship program. I learned from him to keep things concise and specific. He is determined and hardworking, yet maintains a positive and sometimes playful approach. He`s been inspirational.`
What Lyon Are Saying
Joe Montemurro, Lyon`s coach, has extensive experience managing women`s teams, including Melbourne Victory, Melbourne City, Arsenal, and Juventus. He will be facing Arsenal for the first time since the 2022-23 UWCL group stage when he was with Juventus.
Montemurro stated, `[Arsenal] deserves to be at this high level of competition. Their fanbase and their contribution to elevating women`s football, particularly in the UK and Europe, has been remarkable.`
He anticipates a strong pro-Arsenal atmosphere, saying, `We expect an amazing, but clearly pro-Arsenal atmosphere. We must concentrate on our game and not get distracted. If Lyon focuses on playing our football, we will perform well.`
Arsenal vs. Lyon Predicted Lineups
Arsenal lineup: Manuela Zinsberger; Emily Fox, Leah Williamson, Steph Catley, Kate McCabe; Kim Little, Frida Maanum, Mariona Caldentey; Chloe Kelly, Caitlin Foord, Alessia Russo
Lyon lineup: Cristiane Endler; Ellie Carpenter, Vanessa Gilles, Wendie Renard, Selma Bacha; Damaris Egurrola, Lindsey Horan, Dzsenifer Marozsan; Delphine Cascarino, Kadidiatou Diani, Melvine Malard
Americans to Watch
Emily Fox, Arsenal: The USWNT defender has quickly become vital for Arsenal. Her athleticism, accurate crosses, and defensive skills are key for her team, and she will be crucial in stopping Lyon`s attack and initiating Arsenal`s counter-attacks.
Lindsey Horan, Lyon: The USWNT captain plays a similar leadership role in Lyon`s midfield. Her ability to control the game`s pace and contribute offensively and defensively makes her a crucial player for Lyon.
Arsenal vs. Lyon Prediction
Arsenal`s home advantage at Emirates Stadium will be significant. However, Lyon`s strong attack will challenge Arsenal`s defense, likely giving Lyon a slight lead heading into the second leg in France. Prediction: Arsenal 1, Lyon 2
Dominic Ashworth