RCA Telegram News California - Dumornay gives Lyon lead over Arsenal in Women's Champions League semis

Arsenal trailed to Kadidiatou Diani's opener for Lyon before Mariona Caldentey hauled the hosts level at the Emirates Stadium.

But after Caldentey's penalty, Dumornay was on hand to bag the priceless winner ahead of the return leg in France next week.

Lyon have won the tournament a record eight times, while Arsenal last lifted the trophy in 2007.

Despite the scoreline and the weight of history being in Lyon's favour ahead of the second leg, Arsenal remain confident they can reach the final.

"We are alive," Caldentey insisted. "We wanted to win in front of our fans, we wanted a better result.

"It's one goal and it's 90 minutes. We will have our chances, we just need to take them.

"We need to keep believing and we will go for it. We will do it."

Lyon boss Joe Montemurro, who managed Arsenal before leaving in 2021, added: "This thing is not over. Maybe the pressure has been taken off Arsenal.

"They're 2-1 down, they're coming to Lyon. Whatever happens, happens. That's a dangerous scenario and they are a good team."

Arsenal looked a shadow of the side that mounted a fightback from two goals down against Real Madrid in the last round as Lyon took the lead in the 17th minute.

There was a sense of physical vulnerability from the Gunners' defence against Lyon's front three and that was demonstrated when Diani held her line, burst away from her marker and drilled a clinical finish into the bottom corner.

Frida Maanum missing a free header from yards out summed up a frustrating start for the north Londoners as Lyon continued their onslaught.

Lyon's press prevented Arsenal from finding rhythm with their players accustomed to the luxury of sides sitting deep against them in the Women's Super League.

After Selma Bacha and Dumornay pressured Emily Fox into a loose pass on halfway, the latter spotted Manuela Zinsberger off her line and sent a lobbed effort onto the crossbar.

Arsenal's Alessia Russo was also denied by the crossbar, setting the tone for a strong spell from the Gunners after the break.

Maanum once again failed to guide a free header on target from Beth Mead's cross in the 61st minute.

Arsenal finally drew level in the 78th minute when a VAR review deemed Lyon goalkeeper Christiane Endler's attempt to punch the ball connected with Leah Williamson and was worthy of a penalty.

Caldentey stepped up and buried her spot-kick with ease to give Arsenal hope of a valuable victory.

But a fatal lapse of concentration let Dumornay surge through a gap in the Arsenal defence in the 82nd minute and her composed finish gave Zinsberger no chance.

E.Reyes--RTC