When May arrives - then the French top club Lyon usually plays the final in the women's Champions League.
That's how it has looked 11 out of the last 15 springs. On eight occasions, the team has also lifted the trophy, making Lyon the supreme "most champion" in the tournament.
Now, only the first match of two in the semifinal against Arsenal has been completed, but it is Lyon that is in the driver's seat for a twelfth final.
Penalty after VAR review
However, Arsenal equalized on a penalty in the 77th minute through Mariona Caldentey in front of 40,045 spectators at Emirates Stadium in London. A quarter of an hour earlier, Swedish national team striker Stina Blackstenius had been substituted in for the home team.
The penalty was awarded after a VAR review where referee Alina Pesu, Romania, could see that Lyon goalkeeper Christiane Endler had hit Leah Williamson in the head when she tried to box away a corner ball.
Arsenal, however, slacked off after the goal. Lyon took advantage of this with a lovely combination play and a forward-moving Melchie Dumornay could score 2-1 behind Manuela Zinsberger in the 82nd minute.
During the first half, it was Lyon that dominated, and after 18 minutes, Kadidiatou Diani could run through to the lead goal. A goal that was initially disallowed for offside, but the decision was changed after a video review.
Return next Saturday
Arsenal won the Champions League in 2007 (final victory over Umeå) when the tournament looked completely different, but now has a steep uphill climb to reach the club's second final. The return match in Lyon will be played next Saturday.
Amanda Ilestedt and Rosa Kafaji remained on Arsenal's bench throughout the match. Lina Hurtig was not included in the squad.
Last year, Lyon lost the final to Barcelona. The Spanish top club meets Chelsea in its semifinal, where the first match will be played on Sunday.
