Arsenal face a mammoth task. Overturning a deficit away from home against a club who have made winning in Europe their trademark will not be easy, but the Gunners have belief. "We are alive," says Gunners midfielder Mariona Caldentey. Arsenal looked like they would travel to Lyon for the second leg of their Women's Champions League semi-final with a clean slate after Caldentey made it 1-1 from the penalty spot with 15 minutes left at Emirates Stadium. But eight-time winners Lyon bounced back immediately, with Melchie Dumornay's sharp finish giving the eight-time champions a one-goal advantage. "We wanted to win in front of our fans, we wanted a better result," Caldentey told DAZN afterwards. "It's one goal and it's 90 minutes, so we are alive. And we will have our chances - we just need to take them. We need to keep believing and we will go for it. We will do it. It's just one goal." Since Arsenal won their first and only Champions League title in 2007, French side Lyon have won the competition a record eight times. Against such serial winners, you need to take your chances. Arsenal could not. They had more shots than their opponents, but only managed four on target from their 14 attempts. "They know they created more than enough chances to come away with a lead in this game," ex-England midfielder Fara Williams told TNT Sports. Beth Mead and Frida Maanum failed to hit the target from close range on multiple occasions, the woodwork denied Alessia Russo, while Christiane Endler denied Caitlin Foord. "We create chances and get numbers in the box - we just couldn't get the ball in the net," said Slegers, who watched her team put five past Leicester in the Women's Super League four days ago. "We are not going to change those things in a week. We have been really good with our clinical finishing before. I trust the team that we can score those goals from those opportunities." While Arsenal had nine shots in Lyon's box and threatened Endler's goal constantly, the visitors were forced to take aim from range. But when better opportunities appeared, the French side took them. Even then, there was work to do. Kadidiatou Diani had to squeeze the ball past Manuela Zinsberger and into the far corner with pinpoint precision, while Dumornay had to beat both Emily Fox and Steph Catley to the ball before expertly lifting it over the Arsenal keeper. "Lyon are world class. The margins were very fine. Arsenal dominated the ball - they had a lot of touches in Lyon's box. The biggest difference is they weren't clinical," former England defender Anita Asante told TNT Sports. While Arsenal will be disappointed with the result, Slegers' side will take confidence from their ability to create so many chances against Europe's elite. "You will be excited about the amount of opportunities," former Liverpool forward Natasha Dowie said on BBC Radio 5 Live. "It would be a different game if you come away and lose without those opportunities. It's very unlike them not to take those chances." Lyon have conceded just three times in nine Champions League games this season, while they remain the only unbeaten team in the competition. However, former Arsenal defender Asante, who won the Uefa Women's Cup - as it was then called - in 2007, believes the Gunners can cause an upset. "Arsenal's home record at the Emirates has now been broken, but the opposite can happen for them," Asante said. "They can go to Lyon and cause an upset. The good thing is they know they can dominate the ball. Now it's about being clinical." Lyon boss Joe Montemurro, who managed Arsenal for three-and-a-half years before leaving in 2021, said he was "astounded" by the growth of the club since his departure and stressed that the semi-final tie remains in the balance. "I am just astounded at 40,000 people at the Emirates, a beautiful game of football, a spectacle. That's what I am so pleased about, I am so pleased that since I left there has been three or four years of amazing growth." He added: "It's not over yet. This thing is not over. Maybe the pressure has been taken off Arsenal, maybe. "They're 2-1 down, they're coming to Lyon. Whatever happens, happens. That's a dangerous scenario and they are a good team."

Stars and fans alike lit up Filmhouse IMAX, Lekki, Lagos, on Sunday, July 27, 2025, for the premiere of ‘Hakeem: Seeking Justice’, a movie directed by Abdulrasheed Bello, popularly known as JJC Skillz. The film follows the gripping story of a decorated ex-military officer who returns home to find his entire family brutally murdered. Consumed by heartbreak and rage, Hakeem sets out on a relentless quest for vengeance. As he tracks down those responsible, he uncovers a conspiracy far more sinister than he ever imagined—promising viewers a suspense-filled and emotionally charged cinematic experience. Actors in the movie include Deyemi Okanlawon, Zubby Michael, Gabriel Afolayan, Regina Daniels, Bolanle Ninalowo, Liquorose, Chioma Chukwuka, Eso Dike, Ali Nuhu and Skales. One of the evening’s standout moments came when Deyemi Okanlawon, Zubby Michael, Bolanle Ninalowo, Skales, and JJC Skillz performed a surprise live rendition of the movie’s theme song. Each brought their own flair—Deyemi delivered punchy bars in Pidgin, Bolanle energised the crowd with Yoruba verses, Zubby fired up the room with Igbo lyrics, while Skales and JJC Skillz led the chorus with infectious charisma. The audience was electrified, watching their favourite screen stars double as dynamic performers. The glamorous event was graced by notable personalities such as AY, Yaw, Funky Mallam, Liquorose, Ali Nuhu, Eso Dike, and many more.

A live music event, ‘Live & Unplugged with Tonie’, recently delivered an unforgettable night of soul, storytelling, and refined music when it wrapped up its highly anticipated last edition. Held at The Clubhouse, Landmark Towers, Victoria Island, Lagos on Sunday, the intimate event brought together an exclusive audience of music lovers, tastemakers, and Lagos nightlife enthusiasts for an evening with rising star, Akinola Oluwatoniloba, aka Tonie the Emperor, known for his powerful vocals and authentic stage presence. Guests were treated to stripped-back performances from Tonie and a lineup of guest artists delivering both musical and spoken-word performances at the cosy venue. Speaking on the success of the event, Tonie said, “Live & Unplugged is all about bringing people closer to the music and reminding us why we fell in love with it in the first place. I am grateful for everyone who showed up to listen, vibe, and create memories with me.” Also speaking at the event, Olusegun Akinyemiju, the Brand Business Manager for Lord’s Gin, which sponsored the event, noted that the brand was committed to celebrating authentic and premium experiences. “This is exactly the kind of authentic and memorable experience Lord’s Gin loves to support. Bringing people together over good music, good company, and a refined taste is what we’re about.” Organised by Emperor Entertainment, the event is said to be part of a vision to redefine Lagos’ live music scene, and “spotlight talented voices in a premium atmosphere that values quality over noise”.

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola gave a coy response when asked about his future after Saturday's frustrating goalless draw at Crystal Palace, but Cherries supporters will be desperate for the Spaniard to extend his stay at Vitality Stadium. The draw at Selhurst Park lifted Iraola's team to 49 points - a club record in the Premier League - with five games remaining, surpassing their tally of 48 in Iraola's first season. Bournemouth were disappointed not to claim all three points in south London after failing to capitalise on Palace defender Chris Richards' first-half dismissal, but Iraola - whose existing deal is set to expire next summer - could yet guide the Cherries into Europe for the first time in their history. Owner Bill Foley is due to attend next weekend's game at home to Manchester United before talks with the 42-year-old former Rayo Vallecano manager. Tottenham are reported to be interested in securing Iraola's services after a disappointing campaign under Ange Postecoglou, while reports have also linked him to Real Madrid as a potential replacement, external for Carlo Ancelotti. However, sources at Bournemouth suggest Iraola is open to extending his time on the south coast. "We'll talk, but nothing special," Iraola, who was appointed in June 2023, told BBC Match of the Day after Saturday's stalemate. The Spaniard was also quick to deny reports that talks have already started about a contract extension. He went on to describe the result as a "missed opportunity" for his side, but former Brighton striker Glenn Murray says the Cherries are heading firmly in the right direction. "Of course they want Europe, but this is the best season Bournemouth have had," Murray told Final Score. "Things are progressing in the right way for them." In December 2023 - a year after taking control of the club - Foley said he was confident Bournemouth would qualify for Europe within the next five years. After following an impressive 2023-24 campaign with another outstanding season including wins over Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle, Iraola could be about to lead the Cherries into continental competition far quicker than Foley or anyone else had anticipated. They could end the weekend eight points outside the top seven, but eighth place may still be enough to secure European football in 2024-25. For a club who were playing in League One as recently as 2013, it is a tantalising prospect. Indeed, Iraola's downcast demeanour following Saturday's draw only serves to highlight how far Bournemouth have come. "We cannot be happy with this point," he said. "Before the game, [we thought a draw] is not a bad result, coming to a stadium this difficult. "But considering how the game has gone, we cannot be happy. I feel we have not used the extra player in the proper way." Bournemouth were fortunate not to be reduced to 10 men themselves after referee Sam Barratt opted against showing midfielder Alex Scott a second yellow card 10 minutes before Richards' dismissal. It may be nothing more than a silver lining for Iraola and his players, but the point does at least extend Bournemouth's unbeaten league run to three games - their longest streak since going 11 games without defeat between November 2024 and January 2025. "Iraola has been able to grow and develop his squad," former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Final Score. "They have been able to establish themselves in the Premier League. "He is very tactically astute and uses his bench well, which is a credit to his in-game management and squad depth." Next up for Bournemouth is a home match against Manchester United, a team they beat 3-0 at Old Trafford this season. By the end of next weekend, Bournemouth may not only be closing in on European qualification, they may have moved a step closer to ensuring Iraola remains at the helm.