The UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-finals saw Olympique Lyonnais produce a stunning second-half display to thrash Bayern Munich 4-1, securing a 6-1 aggregate victory and advancing to the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Arsenal pulled off a sensational comeback against Real Madrid, overturning a first-leg deficit with a 3-0 home win to book their spot in the last four.
Lyon’s Second-Half Blitz Ends Bayern’s Hopes
Lyon, the most successful club in Women’s Champions League history with eight titles, entered the second leg with a comfortable 2-0 lead from their win in Munich. Opting for continuity, coach Sonia Bompastor named an unchanged starting XI. Bayern, needing to overturn the deficit, made five changes, with manager Alexander Straus aiming to inject fresh energy into his side.
From the start, Bayern showed urgency, dominating possession and pressing high in search of an early goal. Their attacking intent paid off in the 33rd minute, when Klara Bühl produced a moment of brilliance. The German forward executed a quick one-two with Momoko Tanikawa, surged into the box, and fired a powerful low shot past Christiane Endler. The ball struck the far post and went in, making it 1-0 on the night (2-1 on aggregate).
Bühl’s goal was only the second Lyon had conceded in the tournament, rattling the home side. At halftime, Lyon midfielder Lindsey Horan admitted her team needed to improve:
“Honestly, it’s just not good enough from us. They came in with no pressure and took their chances. We need to be better and more focused.”
Lyon took those words to heart and responded immediately in the second half. Less than 30 seconds after the restart, they struck back. Kadidiatou Diani whipped in a dangerous cross, and Melchie Dumornay timed her run perfectly, heading the ball past goalkeeper Maria Luisa Grohs to restore Lyon’s two-goal cushion.
Lyon are semi-finalists for a record 14TH time #UWCL || @OLfeminin pic.twitter.com/ZiqLHx0jBM
— UEFA Women’s Champions League (@UWCL) March 26, 2025
Bayern’s hopes of a comeback crumbled in the 54th minute, when a defensive blunder led to Lyon’s second goal of the night. Giulia Gwinn miscontrolled the ball inside her own penalty area, allowing Diani to pounce and slot home with ease, making it 3-1 on aggregate.
Wednesday’s top #UWCL performers #UWCLPOTM || @VisaUK pic.twitter.com/HNepIQzPRW
— UEFA Women’s Champions League (@UWCL) March 27, 2025
Lyon continued their attacking onslaught, and in the 60th minute, they put the tie out of reach. Diani once again played provider, sending in a perfect cross for Tabitha Chawinga, who made no mistake from close range. The scoreline now read 4-1 on the night and 6-1 on aggregate.
Bayern’s defense was in complete disarray, and Lyon could have scored even more. Damaris Egurrola and Selma Bacha both tested Grohs, but the goalkeeper made crucial saves. However, Ada Hegerberg, the all-time leading scorer in the competition, had the final say. In stoppage time, she tapped in from close range to seal Lyon’s dominant 6-1 aggregate victory.
With this emphatic performance, Lyon sent a clear message to their rivals—they are determined to reclaim the European crown.
Arsenal Stun Real Madrid with Incredible Comeback
At the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal Women delivered a breathtaking 3-0 victory over Real Madrid, overturning a 2-0 first-leg deficit to advance to the semi-finals, where they will face Lyon.
Madrid, fresh off their historic first-ever win over Barcelona in the Spanish Clasico, arrived in London full of confidence. Arsenal, however, were determined to bounce back, fueled by the energy of 22,517 fans in the stands.
From the first whistle, Jonas Eidevall’s side applied relentless pressure, dominating possession and creating chances. Victoria Pelova and Kim Little both tested Madrid’s goalkeeper, but the Spanish side held firm.
Arsenal’s best first-half chance came when Caitlin Foord found herself one-on-one with the keeper, but Misa Rodríguez produced a superb save to keep Madrid ahead on aggregate. The visitors almost extended their lead, but a spectacular Daphne van Domselaar save denied Filippa Angeldahl just before halftime.
Trailing 2-0 on aggregate, Arsenal needed a quick response—and they got it.
Just seconds into the second half, Arsenal struck first. Chloe Kelly burst down the wing and delivered a pinpoint cross into the box. Alessia Russo, positioned perfectly, calmly slotted the ball into the net, sparking wild celebrations and cutting Madrid’s aggregate lead to 2-1.
The Emirates erupted just three minutes later, as Arsenal leveled the tie. Kelly, involved again, sent a perfect cross into the box for Mariona Caldentey, who powered a header past Misa Rodríguez.
With the momentum fully in their favor, Arsenal completed the comeback in the 60th minute. Madrid failed to clear a dangerous free-kick, and the ball fell to Russo, who reacted instinctively, scoring with an acrobatic finish to put Arsenal ahead 3-2 on aggregate.
Alessia Russo vs Real Madrid (H)
She could’ve had 5 goals in the second half alone! What a performance!pic.twitter.com/Mab26aCcv2
— AFC_Adi (@AFC_Adi06) March 27, 2025
Russo thought she had completed a memorable hat-trick in the 70th minute, but VAR ruled out her third goal for a marginal offside. Despite this setback, Arsenal remained composed and held firm in the closing stages to secure their place in the Champions League semi-finals.
After the match, Russo spoke about the team’s determination:
“It still feels surreal. We had belief all week. We knew what we were capable of as a team, and we showed that tonight.”
Arsenal’s resilience and attacking flair proved too much for Madrid, whose dream of reaching their first-ever Champions League semi-final was crushed by the Gunners’ relentless performance.
❤️ The Gunners are semi-final bound! #UWCL || @ArsenalWFC pic.twitter.com/npWzB1iu0L
— UEFA Women’s Champions League (@UWCL) March 26, 2025
With their place in the final four secured, Arsenal will now face Lyon, setting up a thrilling semi-final clash between two of Europe’s most successful women’s teams.
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