Gritty Lyon hold holders Arsenal

UEFA Women's Cup holders Arsenal LFC were held to a goalless draw by Olympique Lyonnais in front of an impressive crowd of 5,000 at Stade de Gerland, leaving the quarter-final encounter finely poised after the first leg.

Arsenal chances
French champions Lyon, who are involved in their first European campaign, were under pressure from the start against Vic Akers's side, with England international forward Kelly Smith at her inspirational best. The London outfit could have easily turned their possession into a lead, with home captain Sonia Bompastor needing to be alert on 19 minutes to clear Jayne Ludlow's header off the line and Lianne Sanderson failing to convert unmarked after fine work by Rachel Yankey just before half-time.

Lyon fightback
Lyon fought back after the interval, however, with Emma Byrne twice saving from Katia and France captain Camille Abily adding extra threat after coming on as a substitute. Playing on the counterattack, Lyon created a number of chances, the nearest they came to a goal being an effort by Hoda Lattaf hit narrowly over in added time.

Game of two halves
Afterwards, Lyon coach Farid Benstiti said: "We had one half each. They deserved to win on their first half display and we did on the second. We'll now have to try our chances in London." The second leg takes place at the scene of Arsenal's UEFA Cup final triumph against Umeå IK in April, Borehamwood, on 21 November.