Arsenal’s Champions League defence gets off to a rough start: the reigning European champions fell 1–2 at home to OL Lyonnes at Meadow Park in their opening match of the new league-phase format.
Arsenal took the lead in the 7th minute when Alessia Russo converted a Beth Mead assist, slicing across the Lyon defence.
After going ahead, OL Lyonnes kept the pressure — they attempted more shots, maintained dominance in possession, and looked the more dangerous side.
The defensive instability was in part attributed to missing leadership and composure, especially in the absence of vice captain Leah Williamson.
With this defeat, Arsenal sit without points in their group, under pressure given the new 18-team league phase where only the top four qualify directly for the quarter-finals.
