UEFA WCL: Chawinga unused as Lyon curse with Arsenal continues

Malawian forward Tabitha Chawinga was an unused substitute for Olympique Lyonnes (OL Lyonnes) as they lost 2-1 to Arsenal in Sunday’s UEFA Women’s Champions League (UEFA WC) semi final, first leg in London.

Winger Jule Brand put the visitors ahead 18 minutes into the game at Arsenal Stadium in London.

UWCL rematch, Let’s do this! pic.twitter.com/p9oiuFEIHe

— Tabitha Chawinga (@tabitha_tc11) April 26, 2026

However, Arsenal women responded in an unconventional way via an own goal from Ingrid Engen in the 55th minute.

How Arsenal women responded

Olivia Smith finally grabbed the clincher for the Champions League defending champions to continue their dominance over the French opponents.

It is now the turn of the French giants to chase the game when they welcome Arsenal on Saturday, 2 May 2026.

Champions League possible finalists

The overall winner of the OL Lyonnes and Arsenal tie will meet either last year’s finalists Barcelona or Bayern Munich in the Champions League final.

Sunday’s tie was a repeat of last year’s Champions League semifinal which Arsenal won 2-1 on aggregate over two legs.