Arsenal’s Women’s Champions League title defence got off to a poor start as defensive mistakes handed Lyon a 2-1 victory at Meadow Park on Tuesday night.
The competition has adopted the new league-phase format this season, mirroring the men’s tournament, but the Gunners stumbled at the first hurdle despite making a bright start.
Arsenal struck early in the seventh minute when Beth Mead’s persistence carved open Lyon’s defence. She drew several players before slipping the ball to Alessia Russo, who finished clinically into the bottom corner.
But the hosts quickly undid their good work. In the 18th minute, goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar miscontrolled a back pass and gifted possession to Melchie Dumornay. Although Van Domselaar saved the initial effort, Dumornay pounced on the rebound to level the score.
The error set the tone for a frustrating night for Arsenal, who have now failed to win in four consecutive matches across all competitions. Meanwhile, elsewhere in Europe, Barcelona sent a statement of intent with a crushing 7-1 win over Bayern Munich, underlining their determination to reclaim the crown they lost to Arsenal last season.
+ There are no comments
Add yours