Just six months after Arsenal stunned Lyon on their own turf in the Champions League semi-finals on their way to a second European crown, the French giants gained a measure of revenge on Tuesday night by spoiling the Gunners’ title defence opener with a 2-1 victory that arguably flattered the holders. Alessia Russo put Arsenal ahead in the seventh minute after some brilliant footwork from Beth Mead set her up, but Melchie Dumornay quickly equalised before going on to score a superb second goal that secured all three points for the eight-time champions.
Russo’s opener was a moment of real quality, but it only seemed to fire up Lyon, who responded with relentless attacking play throughout the first half. Their first goal came courtesy of a gift, as Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar misplaced a pass straight to Dumornay under no pressure, but the Haitian’s second strike was a thunderbolt from 20 yards that flew into the top corner.
Lyon could have extended their lead further but were wasteful in front of goal, while Van Domselaar redeemed herself with an outstanding double save just before half-time. Arsenal, meanwhile, created few chances, with Mariona Caldentey’s shot a minute after Dumornay’s second and Caitlin Foord’s late effort narrowly wide among the few notable moments.
The defeat extends Arsenal’s winless run to four matches, following draws with Manchester United and Aston Villa and a loss to Manchester City at the weekend their longest barren spell since January 2022. While head coach Renee Slegers is not under immediate pressure, she and her side now face the task of regaining momentum to get their season back on track.
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