The highly anticipated 2025-26 UEFA Women’s Champions League semifinals are set to ignite the passion of football fans on Sunday. Reigning champions Arsenal are preparing to take on heavyweights OL Lyonnes at the iconic Emirates Stadium, as both teams vie for a coveted spot in this season’s final.
Each of these footballing powerhouses enters this clash with a point to prove after facing setbacks in their respective quarterfinals. In their last league meeting back in October, Lyonnes staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Arsenal 2-1. Now, with the stakes higher than ever, this matchup becomes all the more significant. Arsenal edged past Lyonnes in the semifinals of the previous season, ultimately lifting the trophy, making this rematch a perfect opportunity for redemption.
For Arsenal, the road to the current semifinals has been more turbulent than expected. However, they find themselves in a familiar position, having navigated their way back to this stage after a challenging start. On the other hand, OL Lyonnes is on a quest to reclaim their former glory, having not secured the title since 2022.
How to Watch
Fans can catch all the action live on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Network, with both platforms providing comprehensive coverage of the semifinals. Be sure to tune in early for the pre-match analysis, and stay tuned after the matches for in-depth post-game discussions and insights.
Viewing Information
All times are U.S./Eastern
Semifinals Second Leg Schedule
All times are U.S./Eastern
Saturday, May 2
Storylines for UWCL Semifinals
Arsenal’s Title Defense: There’s a sense of comfort in familiarity for Arsenal, who have demonstrated resilience along the way. They entered the knockout playoffs with determination, overcoming newcomers OH Leuven with a staggering score of 7-1, and later eliminating Chelsea FC in a thrilling quarterfinal tie. With the domestic league title out of reach, the Gunners can focus solely on reclaiming their Champions League crown.
Despite the rivalry still blossoming with OL Lyonnes, Arsenal manager Renee Slegers believes their previous encounters will be invaluable. “We’ve learned a lot from those experiences last year. It inspires us to see what we can do and what we are capable of,” she stated. However, the squad will face some challenges on the injury front, missing key players like Kyra Cooney-Cross and Beth Mead in this high-stakes matchup.
OL Lyonnes: The Perennial Contenders As the French giants strive for a ninth title, this matchup presents a golden chance to rise from the shadows since their last triumph in 2022. OL’s strong performance in the league phase, where they finished just behind Barcelona, has set the stage for this critical clash. Stars like Tabitha Chawinga and Melchie Dumorney, who have netted eight goals leading up to the semifinal, are expected to play a pivotal role alongside their experienced teammates.
Head coach Jonatan Giraldez faces the challenge of strategizing for success over two legs against a formidable opponent. The squad is brimming with talent, including multiple U.S. national team players, underscoring the depth of skill within OL Lyonnes. Player Lindsey Heaps remarked, “We know Arsenal are a top side. But we are not really thinking about the opponent. We’re focused on ourselves.” This mindset will be essential as they aim to turn recent history in their favor.
Conclusion: The upcoming semifinal clash between Arsenal and OL Lyonnes promises to be a thrilling encounter. With both squads loaded with talent and rich in history, this matchup will undeniably be a focal point for fans around the world. Whether Arsenal can defend their title or OL can reclaim their dominance in women’s football will unfold in what is sure to be a dramatic series of matches.
