Lyon 3-1 Arsenal: Jule Brand Late Goal Sends Eight-Time Champions to Oslo Final as Gunners Exit

By Oturnnews Correspondent | May 3, 2026

OL Lyonnes ended Arsenal's reign as Women's Champions League holders with a 3-1 victory at OL Stadium in Decines on Saturday afternoon, advancing 4-3 on aggregate to reach their record 12th Women's Champions League final. Jule Brand scored the decisive goal with four minutes remaining, settling a match full of twists and sending the eight-time European champions to Oslo in search of a ninth title.

Arsenal had come from behind to win the first leg 2-1 at Meadow Park and were defending that advantage in France. The Gunners had eliminated Lyon at this same stage last season, winning 4-1 in France on the way to their European title triumph in Oslo. This time the hosts offered an entirely different proposition.

First Half Belonged to Lyon

OL were transformed from their first-leg showing. Selma Bacha and Melchie Dumornay, both absent from the London fixture, returned to the starting lineup and immediately changed the dynamic of the contest. Dumornay, the Haiti international, gave Arsenal's defenders a constant problem with her directness and pace.

The decisive moment in the first half came from a VAR intervention. Dumornay drove into the penalty area and was challenged by Lotte Wubben-Moy. The referee did not give the penalty initially but a lengthy VAR review overturned the decision, ruling that the Arsenal defender had touched the ball after making contact with Dumornay. Lyon captain Wendie Renard had her first effort saved by Daphne van Domselaar, but the referee ordered a retake because the goalkeeper had moved off her line. Renard went the same way with the second spot kick and van Domselaar could not keep it out. Kadidiatou Diani then added a second shortly after to put Lyon 2-0 ahead on the day and 3-2 ahead on aggregate.

Russo Levels the Tie Before Brand Wins It

Arsenal improved significantly in the second half. Olivia Smith fired across goal and struck the post before the hour mark. Smilla Holmberg and Victoria Pelova came on as substitutes. Holmberg sent in a looping ball that Alessia Russo turned in under pressure from Ashley Lawrence and Lindsey Heaps to level the aggregate tie at 3-3 and raise the prospect of extra time. Then came one more twist. Melchie Dumornay, voted Player of the Match, played a looping ball to Brand on the right side of the penalty area. The German winger controlled it calmly and found the net for 3-1 on the day and 4-3 on aggregate.

Arsenal coach Renee Slegers acknowledged afterward that Lyon were the better team and credited their opponents for raising their level. Lyon will face either Barcelona or Bayern Munich in the final in Oslo on May 23. Arsenal's title defence ends with their focus now returning to the Women's Super League where they sit third, eight points behind leaders Manchester City.