OL Lyonnes ended Arsenal’s title defence in the Women’s Champions League semi-finals on April 30, 2026, after Jule Brand’s late winner survived a three-minute video assistant referee check and sealed a 3-3 aggregate victory. The goal was first ruled out for offside before officials awarded it, sending Lyon into their 12th European final.
It was a blow that came after Arsenal had fought back from 2-0 down to level the tie on aggregate. Wendie Renard converted a retaken penalty after Daphne van Domselaar saved the first effort, then Kadidiatou Diani finished from a Brand set piece to put Lyon 2-0 ahead. Alessia Russo replied for Arsenal to make it 3-3 overall, before Stina Blackstenius hit the woodwork and Olivia Smith struck the base of the post as the holders pushed for another escape.
Renée Slegers said Lyon “raised their levels” and were “really effective in certain moments,” adding that it was “a very tight game, small margins” and “very disappointing for us.” She also said Lyon were “the better team” and that Arsenal were “so close.” Jonatan Giráldez said losing the first leg had been tough, but that Lyon needed to bounce back and had played “great football” to earn the win.
The result keeps Lyon on course for another shot at the European crown in Oslo on May 23, where they are scheduled to meet either Barcelona or Bayern Munich. For Arsenal, the night was decided by details that went against them: a retaken penalty, a protracted VAR review, and a finish from Brand that finally settled a tie that had been on a knife edge all evening.
