No surprises for Arsenal against Lyon, says Slegers

Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers was not surprised to see a closely-fought game against Lyon as they were beaten 2-1 in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Saturday.

Lyon went ahead midway through the first half thanks to a Kadidiatou Diani goal, before Maria Caldentey equalised from the penalty spot with 12 minutes to go.

But just four minutes later, Melchie Dumornay netted the winner to ensure Lyon take a slender lead back to France.

"I think the game played out as we expected it to play out," Slegers told the official club website.

"Two top teams. I think we have different types of threats in our teams, and I think most moments in the game, we do really well defending against their threat and their three forwards. 

"It's really hard to defend against it because they have so much quality and so much speed, but then the two moments where they come out, they score from it. That's the fast attacks, the counterattacks that they like to create in the game, and we concede from that.

"I think we had a really good period in the second half where we play the way we want to play. We dominate, we win the ball back quickly, we create chances.

"Unfortunately, it was hard work for us to get the ball into the net, but also a very strong opponent, of course, but then we finally get the ball into the net by a penalty. We worked really hard for that, so then it's disappointing that we conceded the goal afterwards.

"I think we set ourselves up well in the second half, in that period when we dominate. We get into areas that we want to get to, and we get numbers into the box, and I think we create some really good chances.

"We wanted more, and you know that you need to score on your chances against Lyon because they have so much threat as well. We're going to review, but at the end of the day, it's one goal difference, and it's half-time, so we still have all the chances in the second leg."

The two sides will meet for the second leg on April 27, while Arsenal's next game in the Women's Super League will come the following Wednesday against Aston Villa.

The Gunners currently trail WSL leaders Chelsea by three points, having played a game more.

Arsenal have won just one of their seven Champions League matches against Lyon (D1 L5), while it is the most defeats they have suffered against a single opponent in the competition.

They are looking to reach their second Champions League final, after 2006-07, but have a deficit to overcome if they want to avoid a fifth consecutive semi-final exit.

"We need good structure in the second leg as well, because they're so good, but then on the ball, fluidity is important for us to be able to disrupt opposition. That's always going to be a part of our game," Slegers added.

"One trait that can't be questioned this season is the team's comeback ability, having turned games around in various challenging scenarios. We'll need to do that again as we look to reach the final next weekend, and the players remain full of belief.

"It's half-time now, and it's one goal difference. We know it's a big challenge and a really good opponent, but we believe, and we need to believe that it's possible next week."