The UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final first-legs served up some incredible goals and drama. And the task for both English sides is simple – they will have to forge comebacks if they are to reach the final. (Source: The Analyst)
Lyon, aiming for a 12th final in this 24-year-old competition, won 2-1 at Arsenal last Saturday as although Mariona Caldentey's penalty cancelled out Kadidiatou Diani's opener, the outstanding Melchie Dumornay dinked in with eight minutes to go.
Gunners and Netherlands goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar at one stage looked most likely for a career in volleyball, but eventually fell in love with the beautiful game and is now regarded as one of the best in her position in the world.
Barcelona are going for a record-equalling fifth straight final, and third title in a row, but Chelsea can take heart from their quarter-final comeback against Manchester City when they scored three times in a breathless Stamford Bridge first half to overturn their 2-0 away defeat.
Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor, who oversaw Lyon's 3-1 defeat of Barcelona in the 2022 final, is without Lauren James due to a hamstring injury in addition to longer-term absentees including Sam Kerr. Nathalie Björn was also forced off in the first leg, meaning a Champions League debut for January signing Naomi Girma is possible. (Source: Uefa.com)
For the third year in a row, Chelsea and Barcelona are matched in a semi-final second leg falling on 27 April. Two years ago they drew 1-1 at Camp Nou and last season Barcelona won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge, each time progressing 2-1 on aggregate. Chelsea will not lose by that scoreline overall this time but have a massive task if they are to reach their second final following Barcelona's 4-1 first-leg win.
A hotel room overlooking London's Kensington Gardens, alive with picnics and impromptu football games, is the setting for an interview with Chelsea star Aggie Beever-Jones.
Lyon will defend a 2-1 lead at home to Arsenal on Sunday, and with the Gunners boasting offensive options of the quality of Alessia Russo, Beth Mead, Mariona Caldentey, Caitlin Foord, Frida Maanum, Chloe Kelly and Stina Blackstenius, defend is a key word.
A late goal dashed the Utah Royals’ hopes of a two-match winning streak as the club fell 1-0 to Houston. It was the third time in four matches that Utah has been shut out.
Orlando Pride clawed their way back to register one of the most legendary wins in their NWSL history. In a tough match at Inter&Co Stadium, the hosts turned around the score against Angel City FC and took the game 3-2 after being down by two goals.