European champions defeated in first match
Arsenal’s Champions League defence gets off to a rough start: the reigning European champions fell 1–2 at home to OL Lyonnes at Meadow Park in their opening match of the new league-phase format.
- Arsenal took the lead in the 7th minute when Alessia Russo converted a Beth Mead assist, slicing across the Lyon defence.
- Melchie Dumornay scored twice in quick succession (18′ and 23′), taking advantage of defensive errors from Daphne van Domselaar and Katie Reid, to turn the game around.
- After going ahead, OL Lyonnes kept the pressure — they attempted more shots, maintained dominance in possession, and looked the more dangerous side.
- The defensive instability was in part attributed to missing leadership and composure, especially in the absence of vice captain Leah Williamson.
- With this defeat, Arsenal sit without points in their group, under pressure given the new 18-team league phase where only the top four qualify directly for the quarter-finals.
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