Arsenal win Champions League as Gunners women stun Barcelona to claim crown
ARSENAL 1-0 BARCELONA: Stina Blackstenius scored as the Gunners beat holders Barcelona and won the Women’s Champions League for the second time in their history
The Women’s Champions League trophy was stolen by criminals last week – but this time it was heroic and resilient Arsenal who snatched it from Barcelona’s clutches. Second-half substitute Stina Blackstenius’ killer control and finish just seven minutes after entering the fray saw the Gunners execute the mother of all shocks to become European champions for the first time since 2007.Renee Slegers’ courageous comeback queens are no strangers to defying odds but they were 6/1 underdogs on arrival in Lisbon and were barely given a puncher’s chance – despite stunning wins over Real Madrid and Lyon – against Pere Romeu’s star-studded side, who have contested five of the past six finals.But Slegers, who has driven Arsenal to new heights following Jonas Eidevall’s relegation in October, showcased her coaching qualities and masterminded a clinical performance on the biggest stage to put the club back upon their perch. Not only did Arsenal shatter their glass ceiling but admirably, they also achieved it while breaking records and inspiring a new generation of young Gunners.The newly-crowned European champions are the first-ever side to not only reach the final but lift the trophy after entering the competition at the first round of qualifying. This was also their 15th match of their European campaign, no other side has ever played more in the Women’s Champions League and that is what makes this glorious triumph just the more special.Back in September they were beaten 1-0 by BK Hacken in Sweden during the first-leg of second-round qualifying but their scintillating road to glory is living proof that anything is possible with hard work and continuity. And yet the best part about it all is that you couldn’t say Arsenal did not deserve it, they defended valiantly and picked their moment to perfection to sink Barcelona, who had dominated possession.
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After weathering an early storm, Slegers’ side slowly settled into the occasion and began to relish their underdog status, zipping the ball around with real swagger. The Gunners looked to have broken the deadlock on 23 minutes when Frida Maanum burst down the right and her low cross was accidentally turned in by clumsy Barcelona defender Irene Paredes.However, the Spanish national team captain’s blushes were spared following a VAR check, Maanum had gone marginally early and was ruled offside but she would not be deterred.
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Minutes later the dangerous Norwegian drew a stunning stop from Cata Coll before Arsenal skipper Kim Little blasted over from close range. Claudia Pina’s dipping shot rattled the crossbar after the break before Ona Batlle flashed wide.Alessia Russo, who had been isolated all evening, was kept out by Coll before Ewa Pajor narrowly headed over. But sub Blackstenius had the final say, rifling home the winner on a night these Arsenal players will never, ever forget.
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