Arsenal
Despite losing the second leg by one goal to nil, Arsenal just managed to pip Chelsea in the quarter-final (3-2). The Gunners travelled across London and were greeted with a Chelsea side who quickly came out of the blocks. Arsenal did regain their composure and managed to get a few speculative shots on goal before Chelsea put a couple of moves together down Arsenal’s right-hand side, both ending with goal-kicks. Chelsea continued to funnel play down Arsenal’s right, particularly to Lauren James, who constantly ran at the defense.
But the introduction of Smilla Holmberg around the 70th minute changed the impetus of the game. The right-back was given license to attack as Chelsea began to tire. She twice crossed to Stina Blackstenius, who failed to control the first one but scored the second, which was ruled offside. As we entered the last fifteen minutes, Chelsea were obliged to commit bodies forward, twice hitting the post while leaving themselves vulnerable to Arsenal counters, where Beth Mead hit the post. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Chelsea broke the deadlock as Sam Kerr’s cross was finely put away by Sjoeke Nüsken.
Tactical Approach
The title holders have changed their tactics since lifting the trophy back in May. The competition’s top scorer Alessia Russo(8) occupies the space of a number ten, Mariona Caldentey has gone from the left to a deeper central role, and the signing of pacey Olivia Smith added more dynamism to the attack. Stina Blackstenius offers movement that stretches defenses and the ability to beat the offside trap, allowing Russo to link up play.
The energy of US international Emily Fox is vital. Fox provides cover for the right winger and an attacking presence of her own, either overlapping or coming inside with the ball, changing the point of the attack.
OL Lyonnes
OL Lyonnes had to work to progress into the semi-finals for the third year running. After losing the quarter-final first leg by 1-0 in Wolfsburg, Lyonnes needed to attack the game from the beginning. Fifteen minutes was all that was needed to open the scoring. Lyonnes’ high press was rewarded, leading to Lily Yohannes’ deflected shot hitting the back of the net.
The game would begin to frustrate the eight-time Champions League winners. As Wolfsburg continued to sit back, it was long shot after long shot, corner after corner, but Wolfsburg would not budge. The visitors didn’t record a single shot in the opening half. By full-time, OL attempted twenty-nine. The teams entered extra time.
Jonatan Giráldez thought his team had their go-ahead goal in the 99th, but Marie-Antoinette Katoto was ruled out for a tight offside. But three minutes later, Melchie Dumornay legally turned in Selma Bacha’s corner, giving the French side the advantage. OL would put the game to bed with two more: Bacha’s outswinging corner finding Damaris Egurrola, and Tabitha Chawinga moments before full time beating Stina Johannes for the capper.
Tactical Approach
OL Lyonnes aren’t afraid to tailor their style of play to their opponents’ weaknesses. Giráldez prefers to play with the ball on the ground but will play long passes when necessary. Lyon’s team is full of physical presences, pace, strength, and height, all important attributes in today’s game. Against Wolfsburg, we saw OL press very high in a 4-2-4 shape. Pressing in such a way gave Lyon an extra presser and passing option to overwhelm Wolfsburg’s back five, ultimately leading to the first goal. If struggling to break down a team and generate high-percentage chances, Lyon are not afraid to try their luck from distance, which is useful when playing against elite-level opposition.
Fun Fact
Arsenal have inflicted OL Lyonnes’ two biggest defeats in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. 5-1, October 2022 and 4-1, April 2025.
Key Duel
Alessia Russo versus Ingrid Engen
