Olympique Lyonnais Women have booked their place in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final after defeating defending champions Arsenal Women 3-1 in the second leg of their semi-final clash at Groupama Stadium on Saturday, sealing a 4-3 aggregate victory.
German forward Jule Brand delivered the decisive moment in the 86th minute, finishing calmly after a VAR check confirmed she was narrowly onside, sparking relief and celebration among the home fans.
Lyon had started strongly, with Lindsey Heaps heading in early, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review for an infringement on Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar. The French side later earned a penalty after a foul by Lotte Wubben-Moy on Melchie Dumornay, which Wendie Renard converted on the rebound after her initial effort was saved and retaken.
Kadidiatou Diani extended Lyon’s lead in the tie with a close-range finish from a corner, putting Arsenal under increasing pressure after they had won the first leg 2-1.
Arsenal fought back through Alessia Russo, who scored to level the aggregate score at 3-3 and briefly push the contest towards extra time.
However, Brand’s late strike ultimately settled the tie, as Lyon held firm through nine minutes of added time to secure progression.
The French giants will now aim for a record-extending ninth European title when they face either FC Bayern Munich Women or FC Barcelona Femení in the final in Oslo on May 23.
