2004 Champions League Semi-Final vs Arsenal
Home of Olympique Lyonnais since 2016, host of major football and rugby events.
Parc Olympique Lyonnais, known for sponsorship reasons as Groupama Stadium, is a 59,186-seater stadium in Décines-Charpieu, a commune situated in the Metropolis of Lyon. It is the third largest stadium in France, behind Stade de France in Saint-Denis (Paris) and Orange Velodrome in Marseille. The home of French football club Olympique Lyonnais, it replaced their previous stadium, the Stade de Gerland, in January 2016.
Quick Facts
- Competition
- UEFA Champions League 2003-04 Semi-Final
- Home leg venue
- Stade de Gerland, Lyon
- Away leg result
- Arsenal 1 - 0 Olympique Lyonnais
- Home leg result
- Olympique Lyonnais 1 - 1 Arsenal
- Aggregate score
- Arsenal won 2-1 on aggregate
- Key lyon figure
- Sylvain Wiltord (Scored in the home leg)
- Outcome for lyon
- Eliminated from Champions League
Lore & Background
The stadium was a host of UEFA Euro 2016, and was also chosen to stage the 2017 Coupe de la Ligue Final and the 2018 UEFA Europa League Final, in addition to the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup and football at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Outside football, the ground has also held rugby union and ice hockey matches, as well as musical concerts.
Reader's Guide
Olympique Lyonnais played their first game in the new stadium on 9 January 2016, winning 4–1 against Troyes in Ligue 1; Alexandre Lacazette scored the first goal at the ground. The current record league attendance at the Parc OL is 58,257, achieved on 9 November 2025 during a fixture against Paris Saint-Germain during the 2025–26 Ligue 1 season. The current record European league attendance is 58,018, achieved during a fixture against Manchester United on 10 April 2025 during the 2024–25 Europa League season.
Did You Know?
- The stadium hosted six games at UEFA Euro 2016, including the hosts' 2–1 win over the Republic of Ireland in the last 16, and eventual champions Portugal's 2–0 win over Wales in the semi-finals.
- The venue hosted an outdoor Ligue Magnus ice hockey game between Lyon and Grenoble on 30 December 2016, with an attendance of 25,142, the all-time record attendance for an ice hockey game in France.
- Parc Olympique Lyonnais hosted the finals of rugby union's European Rugby Champions Cup and European Rugby Challenge Cup in 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of the 2004 Champions League semi-final against Arsenal?
The French champions were eliminated after losing the tie on aggregate, ending their dream European campaign in that season. They faced an invincible Premier League side that proved too strong to overcome over two legs.
Where did Lyon host their return leg match in this tie?
Olympique Lyonnais played the second fixture at their home stadium, Stade de Gerland, in front of local supporters. This venue became the scene of a dramatic night that ultimately resulted in heartbreak for the Rhodanians.
Who scored for Olympique Lyonnais during the away game in London?
Florent Malouda was the key figure who netted the goal for Lyon in London to secure a draw. His effort kept them in contention before they traveled back to France for the decisive return match.
What was the final aggregate score between the two teams?
Arsenal advanced with a 3-1 victory on aggregate following their two-legged tie against the French side. Lyon managed only one point from their away draw, which was insufficient to progress past the English club.
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