Arsenal took control of their Champions League semi-final after a 2-1 comeback win over Lyon at Emirates Stadium, claiming a first-ever victory in a last-four first leg and handing the French side a maiden semi-final first-leg defeat and first loss in England.

The eight-time champions led through Jule Brand, but an Ingrid Engen own-goal and a late Olivia Smith strike turned the match, while Leah Williamson returned from injury to marshal the defence as Arsenal moved closer to a second straight Champions League final appearance.

Arsenal had never previously won the opening leg of a Champions League semi-final, yet this time the team reversed that record and also stopped Lyon from extending an unbeaten semi-final first-leg streak, leaving the reigning champions facing a second successive last-four exit for the first time since 2007-08 and 2008-09.

Brand’s first-half finish gave Lyon the advantage before the break, but the second half brought a different pattern, as Arsenal forced pressure, drew Engen’s own-goal, restricted Lyon to a single effort on target and a lone corner, then secured victory when Smith struck close to full-time to spark celebrations inside the stadium.

Williamson, restored to the starting line-up in central defence, highlighted how the match flipped after the interval and how the crowd influenced the response, stressing that the group treated the occasion as a mission and felt satisfaction in delivering a result for the supporters who have followed the campaign.

“The first half was quite even, she said.We gave away a cheap goal, but what you saw in the second half was a team on a mission, fuelled by the crowd. For us to give the fans a win and pay them back for their support is the nicest thing. It’s a nice moment to celebrate.”

These clubs also met at the same stage last season, when Arsenal travelled to Groupama Stadium trailing 2-1 from the first leg yet overturned that deficit to reach the final, and Williamson expects a similar mental approach now, with the English side again needing composure and intensity away against the French champions.

“Last year, we had a tough task, and it rallied us together, she added.I don’t think the mentality will be too different. Intensity will be key. Lyon are giants of European football, they have a great crowd, like we do, so an intensity that matches that occasion, and we have to be really clinical, defensively secure, andwe’ll see.”

Head coach Renee Slegers underlined that the tie remains finely balanced despite the lead, and described this first leg as only “half-time” in the contest, while pointing to tactical adjustments at the interval, an aggressive pressing phase after the break and the discipline of a backline that limited Lyon’s attacking threat.

“It’s only half-time [in the tie], but if you look at the game, a lot of bits played out how we wanted it, she said. There was a phase in the first half where we wanted more aggression in our press, and I think we had some great solutions at half-time. We have a brilliant goalkeeper and a fantastic backline. We kept them away from our box, and they had one shot on target and one corner was conceded. We have a lead now after 90 minutes at the Emirates. It will be very challenging, and we will have to be really good in that second leg. We respect them, but we also respect ourselves.”

The players and staff also acknowledged the contribution of the home support, with the atmosphere cited as a factor in Arsenal’s stronger second-half display, and the club’s official account posting a message to fans after full-time ahead of the return meeting next Wednesday.

Lyon’s record in this competition remains the most extensive, with 15 semi-final appearances including this season and 11 finals reached, yet Brand admitted Arsenal imposed pressure during the game, stated that Lyon did not fully show their quality on the night, but still expressed belief that progression remains possible.

“As expected, it was a very difficult game, Brand told UEFA. Arsenal played really well and put pressure on us. I don’t think we were able to show our full quality on the pitch, but I am still confident in the team that we can [win the semi-final].”

Arsenal now travel to Groupama Stadium with a narrow advantage, aware that Lyon’s history and home backing will pose a strong test, while Lyon must overturn the deficit to avoid consecutive semi-final eliminations, leaving the second leg set as a decisive meeting between established contenders.