Renee Slegers' side overturned a 2-1 deficit from the first leg of their semi-final, stunning the French giants to set up a huge Barcelona clash
Arsenal will play in their first Women's Champions League final since 2007 after shocking eight-time winners Lyon in France, winning 4-1 in their semi-final second leg to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the Emirates Stadium. The hosts had won all of their last 11 ties at this stage of the competition, a run which stretched back 16 years, but they were dominated and picked apart by the Gunners as that streak came to an emphatic end, with the English side set to face reigning champions Barcelona in Lisbon at the end of May for a chance to win this competition for the second time.
It took just five minutes for Arsenal to break the deadlock, as a surprise mistake from goalkeeper Christiane Endler led to Chloe Kelly's corner ricocheting around the box and eventually bouncing in off the Lyon shot-stopper herself. It set the tone for a sloppy and error-strewn display from the team that has won this competition more often than any other, with awful defending capitalised on by Alessia Russo for the Gunners' third and Caitlin Foord pouncing on a slip from Vanessa Gilles to bag the fourth.
But there was also a lot of quality on show from Arsenal, the stand-out moment undoubtedly Mariona Caldentey's sweet strike on the stroke of half-time which doubled their lead. The visitors controlled the midfield, were sharp in their spells of possession and extremely clinical in front of goal as they took down a giant of the European game.
Their reward is a shot at another, with Barcelona to be their opponents in next month's final in Lisbon after their 8-2 aggregate win over Chelsea. It'll be an incredible challenge, but Sunday was too – and Renee Slegers' side overcame that one remarkably.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Parc Olympique Lyonnais…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Daphne van Domselaar (5/10):
Had a couple of really shaky moments when coming for corners and was lucky not to be punished.
Emily Fox (8/10):
Dealt really well with Chawinga and kept her quiet until the winger was subbed off before the hour. Then did similar with Diani.
Leah Williamson (7/10):
Had a couple of sloppy moments but generally moved the ball well, kickstarting attacks with her front-footed approach.
Steph Catley (7/10):
Fared well in her duels and was tidy at the back, overcoming an early knock to be solid.
Katie McCabe (7/10):
Enjoyed mixed fortunes in a great individual battle with Diani, coming out on top more often than most would. Offered a great outlet going forward, as usual.
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Kim Little (8/10):
Got stuck in plenty out of possession and was extremely influential in it with her eye for a pass and tricky footwork.
Mariona Caldentey (8/10):
Continued her superb form with another brilliant display, with the stand-out moment that sublime strike into the top corner.
Frida Maanum (7/10):
Had nice moments with neat touches to contribute to a strong attacking display in a subtle way. Determination to win the ball went a long way for the third goal.
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Chloe Kelly (7/10):
Wasn't too lively in open play but delivered great set-pieces, including the corner that provided Lyon's opener.
Alessia Russo (8/10):
Showcased some nice touches in and around the box, teeing up Caldentey for her strike, and then was clinical as ever to make it 3-0.
Caitlin Foord (8/10):
Had a lot of joy in the individual battle with her Australia team-mate Carpenter, regularly causing the full-back problems and getting in behind. Great finish for Arsenal's fourth.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Stina Blackstenius (N/A):
Gave Russo a well-earned rest when she came on for the closing stages.
Beth Mead (N/A):
Another sub who helped keep up the energy in attack when she replaced Kelly.
Kyra Cooney-Cross (N/A):
Came on in the final minutes to help Arsenal see the game out.
Lotte Wubben-Moy (N/A):
Another late sub.
Katie Reid (N/A):
Introduced in stoppage time.
Renee Slegers (7/10):
Was able to return both Kelly and Van Domselaar to the starting XI, but otherwise stuck with the same team that ran Lyon close in the first leg. That faith paid off handsomely as her side dominated the midfield and took their chances. Comfortable scoreline also gave her chance to take off Russo and Kelly, who are only just back from knocks.