Wednesday’s briefing: Arsenal errors punished in Women’s Champions League opener

Arsenal paid a heavy price for individual errors as their defence of the Women’s Champions League began with defeat to Lyon.

WSL rivals Chelsea and Manchester United will hope to fare better when their European campaigns kick off on Wednesday evening.

Manchester City and England defender John Stones revealed he considered retiring amid last season’s injury nightmare, while Spain and Barcelona great Jordi Alba has decided to hang up his boots.

Error-strewn Arsenal lose to Lyon

Melchie Dumornay punished a pair of mistakes to earn Lyon a 2-1 comeback win over Champions League holders Arsenal.

The Gunners, who defeated their French visitors at the semi-final stage last season, made a bright start and led thanks to Alessia Russo’s seventh-minute strike.

But Dumornay levelled 11 minutes later, finishing on the rebound after intercepting a scuffed pass from Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar.

Lyon’s Haiti international lashed home to complete the turnaround in the 23rd minute after Van Domselaar, Mariona Caldente and Katie Reid were each culpable of putting the hosts under pressure.

Man Utd boss Skinner calls for maturity

Manchester United boss Marc Skinner urged his players to display maturity during their maiden Women’s Champions League campaign.

United will play in the main phase for the first time and begin with Wednesday’s home match against Norwegian club Valerenga.

Skinner’s side have enjoyed an unbeaten start in this season’s WSL.

“If we can be mature, show a mature performance and play the way we have been, I don’t think people will want to come and play us,” he said.

John Stones: I considered retiring

Manchester City and England defender John Stones revealed he considered calling time on his career last season.

The 31-year-old’s 2024-25 campaign was decimated by foot and hamstring injuries, which saw him make just 24 appearances for club and country and none after February.

He is back fit and looks set to make his first appearance under England boss Thomas Tuchel in the upcoming games against Wales and Latvia.

“Last season was tough for me, to the point where I thought about stopping,” Stones told BBC Radio 5 Live. “It was a very difficult place to be in.”

Jordi Alba: I am retiring

Inter Miami’s former Barcelona and Spain defender Jordi Alba announced he will retire at the end of the Major League Soccer season.

The 36-year-old made 459 appearances for Barca between 2012 and 2023, winning six LaLiga titles and the 2015 Champions League.

He was capped 93 times at international level and part of the Spain squad which won Euro 2012, in addition to captaining his country to Nations League glory in 2023.

Alba, who is preparing for the MLS play-offs, said: “I feel it’s the right moment to begin a new personal chapter and fully enjoy time with my family after so many demanding years in professional football.”

What’s on today

Manchester United begin their maiden Women’s Champions League campaign against Valerenga, while Chelsea play away to Dutch club Twente.