*Beat Real Madrid in the quarterfinals
*Beat a French giant in the semis
*First CL final in 18 years
By Mercy Gadia Adi
Arsenal Women have reached the Champions League final for the first time in 18 years after completing a remarkable fightback to beat eight-time champions Lyon at the Groupama Stadium. The Gunners had it all to do in France after losing the first leg 2-1 at home, but they mounted a stunning second-leg comeback to seal victory.
The hosts got off to the worst possible start when a mix-up between Christiane Endler and Lyon’s stalwart defender Wendie Renard resulted in the ball pinging off the goalkeeper’s back and into the back of the net from a corner after five minutes. However, Mariona Caldentey gave Arsenal the lead in the tie when she struck beautifully into the top corner from 20 yards out.
Alessia Russo took advantage of a loose ball and slotted into the bottom corner after Lyon made a mess of trying to clear it inside the first minute of the second half. Caitlin Foord capped off a memorable afternoon for the Gunners when she lashed into the roof of the net after Vanessa Gilles slipped when trying to play out from the back.
Melchie Dumornay rifled in at the near post in the 81st minute, but it proved too little too late for the home side as Arsenal progressed to the showpiece on May 24 in Lisbon. The Arsenal players and staff flooded the pitch at full time, cheering and hugging each other with some visibly emotional at their achievement.