With both sides fighting for a place in the final, Arsenal Women plays Lyon Women in a spectacular Women’s Champions League semi-final first leg. While Lyon seeks to retake their continental supremacy, this high-stakes collision at the Emirates Stadium promises to highlight top-tier football as Arsenal seeks their first European crown since 2007.
The game is set for Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 11:30 GMT+0 at the Emirates Stadium in London, which has 60,704 capacity. Underlined by Pesu A. from Romania, this semi-final in the Women’s Champions League pairs Arsenal, who topped Group D and kicked Real Madrid, against Lyon, who flew over Group B and controlled Bayern Munich.
Betting Tips and Match Insights
This section primes you for the Arsenal W vs Lyon W prediction today by highlighting critical factors shaping the game. Recent performances reveal both teams’ strengths, with Arsenal excelling at home and Lyon maintaining an unbeaten streak. Head-to-head history adds intrigue, as Lyon have often had the upper hand. These insights set the stage for understanding form, tactics, and key players. Expect a tactical battle where every detail matters.
Arsenal W Results
Arsenal Women have been in scintillating form, particularly at home, where they’ve built a fortress in recent months. Their journey to the semi-finals showcased resilience, especially in overturning a deficit against Real Madrid. The Gunners’ attacking prowess and depth will be tested against Lyon’s seasoned defense.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 15/04/25 | SL | Arsenal W vs Leicester W | 5-1 | W |
| 30/03/25 | SL | Crystal Palace W vs Arsenal W | 0-4 | W |
| 26/03/25 | CL | Arsenal W vs Real Madrid W | 3-0 | W |
| 22/03/25 | SL | Arsenal W vs Liverpool W | 4-0 | W |
| 18/03/25 | CL | Real Madrid W vs Arsenal W | 2-0 | L |
Arsenal’s 5-1 thrashing of Leicester highlights their lethal attack, with Caitlin Foord and Alessia Russo in top form. Four consecutive wins before the Lyon clash show confidence, especially at home, where they’ve scored 13 goals in their last three competitive matches. The 3-0 comeback against Real Madrid underlines their ability to perform under pressure. However, the 2-0 loss in Madrid exposes vulnerabilities against elite defenses. Lyon’s experience could exploit any defensive lapses.
Lyon W Results
Lyon Women remain a juggernaut in European football, with an unbeaten record in regulation time this season. Their commanding 6-1 aggregate win over Bayern Munich underscores their attacking depth and defensive solidity. Under Joe Montemurro, Lyon’s tactical discipline makes them formidable opponents.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 12/04/25 | PL | Lyon W vs Paris FC W | 2-2 | D |
| 30/03/25 | PL | Lyon W vs Fleury 91 W | 4-0 | W |
| 26/03/25 | CL | Lyon W vs Bayern Munich W | 4-1 | W |
| 22/03/25 | PL | St Etienne W vs Lyon W | 0-5 | W |
| 18/03/25 | CL | Bayern Munich W vs Lyon W | 0-2 | W |
Lyon’s draw against Paris FC is a rare blip, but their 18-1 goal aggregate in the last five away games screams dominance. The 4-1 demolition of Bayern at home showcases their ability to overpower top sides. Kadidiatou Diani’s five Champions League goals this season make her a constant threat. Their perfect Group B record, conceding just once, highlights defensive resilience. Arsenal will need to disrupt Lyon’s rhythm to stand a chance.
Arsenal W vs Lyon W Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)
Historical clashes between Arsenal and Lyon reveal a competitive rivalry, with Lyon holding the edge in recent encounters. These matches often produce goals, reflecting both teams’ attacking intent. The upcoming game will test whether Arsenal can reverse their historical struggles against the French giants.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 15/12/22 | CL | Arsenal W vs Lyon W | 0-1 |
| 19/10/22 | CL | Lyon W vs Arsenal W | 1-5 |
| 16/04/11 | CL | Arsenal W vs Lyon W | 2-3 |
| 09/04/11 | CL | Lyon W vs Arsenal W | 2-0 |
| 07/10/09 | CL | Arsenal W vs Lyon W | 0-5 |
Lyon have won four of the last five meetings, with Arsenal’s 5-1 victory in 2022 as the outlier. The Gunners’ home losses in 2022 and 2011 suggest difficulty containing Lyon’s attack at the Emirates. Arsenal’s defensive improvements will be crucial to avoid a repeat.
Arsenal Women Possible Starting Lineup
Arsenal are expected to field a strong side, with Alessia Russo leading the attack and Manuela Zinsberger stepping in for the injured Daphne van Domselaar in goal:
Zinsberger (GK), Fox (DF), Williamson (DF), Catley (DF), McCabe (DF), Little (MF), Maanum (MF), Caldentey (MF), Kelly (FW), Foord (FW), Russo (FW).
Lyon Women Possible Starting Lineup
Lyon, under Joe Montemurro, will likely rely on their potent attacking trio, with Wendie Renard anchoring the defense:
Endler (GK), Carpenter (DF), Gilles (DF), Renard (DF), Bacha (DF), Egurrola (MF), Heaps (MF), Marozsan (MF), Chawinga (FW), Diani (FW), Dumornay (FW).
Injured and Questionable Players
Injuries and fitness concerns could significantly impact the Arsenal W vs Lyon W match, with both teams facing potential absences. The table below details players who are confirmed or likely to miss the game, along with their respective injuries or statuses. This information is critical for understanding how each team might adjust their strategy.
| Team | Player | Injury/Status |
| Arsenal W | Daphne van Domselaar | Ankle (Injured) |
| Arsenal W | Lina Hurtig | Unspecified (Doubtful) |
| Arsenal W | Laia Codina | Unspecified (Doubtful) |
| Arsenal W | Lotte Wubben-Moy | Unspecified (Doubtful) |
Key Factors to Watch
The Arsenal W vs Lyon W match prediction hinges on several pivotal elements that could sway the outcome. Both teams bring unique strengths, but injuries, form, and tactical nuances will play a significant role. Here’s what to focus on for this semi-final showdown:
- Arsenal’s Home Form: The Gunners have won 13 of their last 15 competitive home games, scoring three or more goals in 11 of them;
- Lyon’s Away Dominance: Lyon’s 18-1 goal aggregate in their last five away matches highlights their ruthlessness on the road;
- Injury Concerns for Arsenal: Goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar is likely out, with Lina Hurtig and Laia Codina doubtful, potentially weakening the backline;
- Lyon’s Returning Stars: Wendie Renard and Melchie Dumornay are expected to return, bolstering Lyon’s defense and attack;
- Alessia Russo’s Impact: Russo’s brace against Real Madrid shows her clutch scoring ability, critical against Lyon’s stout defense;
- Kadidiatou Diani’s Threat: Diani’s five Champions League goals this season make her Lyon’s primary attacking weapon;
- Arsenal’s Semi-Final Struggles: The Gunners have lost their last four semi-final ties, a mental hurdle they must overcome;
- Lyon’s Experience: With 11 consecutive semi-final advancements, Lyon thrive in high-pressure knockout stages.
Free Tips on Arsenal W vs Lyon W
The Arsenal W vs Lyon W match prediction benefits from a deep dive into statistical trends and team dynamics. This list offers practical betting tips derived from past encounters and current team data. These pointers will help you make informed decisions for this semi-final clash.
- Historical Scoring Trends: Lyon have scored in all five of their last meetings with Arsenal, averaging 2.4 goals per game, suggesting a high likelihood of them finding the net.
- Pitch and Weather Impact: The Emirates’ well-maintained natural grass pitch favors Arsenal’s possession-based style, but forecasted rain on match day could slow play, potentially benefiting Lyon’s counter-attacking approach.
- Referee Tendencies: Pesu A. averages 2.5 yellow cards per game in European matches, indicating a low likelihood of a card-heavy game, which suits both teams’ disciplined play.
- Player Fatigue from Schedule: Arsenal’s recent domestic match against Leicester may cause slight fatigue, while Lyon’s lighter schedule gives them a fresher squad.
- Fan Influence at Emirates: Arsenal’s passionate home crowd, filling the 60,704-capacity stadium, could boost their morale, especially in critical moments.
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Arsenal W vs Lyon W Match Prediction 2025
With Lyon’s experience providing a small advantage, the Arsenal W versus Lyon W projection 2025 points for a fiercely contested match. Though Lyon’s perfect record and semi-final history make them favourites, Arsenal’s home form is strong. This is reflected in the Arsenal W against Lyon W odds; Lyon is probably priced just ahead. Though Lyon’s Renard and Diani bring unparalleled quality, Arsenal’s attacking combination of Russo, Foord, and Blackstenius can take advantage of any defensive breakdowns. Particularly in goal, the injury issues of the Gunners could prove expensive against Lyon’s lethal onslaught. Although Arsenal’s 5-1 victory in 2022 gives hope, Lyon’s 4-1 recent head-to–head dominance points to their better fit for the occasion. Lyon is expected to have a low-scoring match, perhaps 1-0, grinding out a limited victory to take a meagre lead into the second leg. Arsenal’s defensive fortitude will keep it tight, but Lyon’s ability to dominate major events should really show.
Our Prediction: Arsenal W 0-1 Lyon W
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | Lyon W to Win | 1.93 |
| Total Goals | Under 2.5 Goals | 2.02 |
| Both Teams to Score | No | 2.12 |
Place your bet with confidence, as the Arsenal W vs Lyon W betting tips point to a tactical, low-scoring battle. The stake on the match – Arsenal W vs Lyon W you can make on bc.game, where competitive odds await for this Women’s Champions League semi-final.
