Arsenal Women came from behind to beat Lyon 2-1 in the first leg of the Women’s Champions League semi-final at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
The Gunners beat rivals Chelsea 3-2 on aggregate in the quarter-finals, setting up a clash with the record champions.
Arsenal were the first to threaten as Emily Fox delivered a cross to Caitlin Foord, who dragged her effort wide.
Lyon took the lead in the 18th minute, Jule Brand beat Kim Little before picking out the bottom-left corner.
Arsenal looked for a quick response when Mariona Caldentey curled wide.
After the half-hour mark, Caldentey’s free-kick was headed towards Katie McCabe. McCabe whipped a cross into the area and Foord headed across goal, but the ball drifted wide.
Arsenal came out flying after the restart, continuing their search for the leveller.
Olivia Smith fired into the side netting, before Little thought she had won a penalty, but it was overturned by the VAR.
The visitors almost doubled their lead against the run of play. Kadidiatou Diani set up Korbin Shrader, who failed to hit the target.
Arsenal eventually drew level in the 58th minute through Ingrid Syrstad Engen’s own goal.
Arsenal substitute Taylor Hinds called goalkeeper Christiane Endler into action as the hosts upped the ante. Foord then let an opportunity go begging, following a counter-attacking move.
Smith scored the winner in the 83rd minute, capitalising on a defensive mistake to put the ball into an empty net.
Arsenal continued to probe for more, with Endler making a good stop to keep out Ford’s cross. Alessia Russo then headed a corner wide before the final whistle.
Renee Slegers’s side are back in action on Wednesday, but this time in the Women’s Super League, hosting Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium.