Arsenal’s women’s team have won the Women’s Champions League, beating Barcelona 1-0 in the final thanks to a goal from Stina Blackstenius in Lisbon on Sunday night
Last week, the Women’s Champions League trophy was nicked by criminals – this time it was heroic and resilient Arsenal who snatched it from Barcelona’s grasp. Stina Blackstenius, a second-half substitute, displayed immaculate control and had the killer finish to match just seven minutes after entering the fray as the Gunners executed an astonishing upset to become European champions for the first time since 2007.
Renee Slegers’ brave comeback queens are no strangers to defying odds, but they were 6/1 underdogs upon arrival in Lisbon and despite stunning victories over Real Madrid and Lyon, they were barely given a puncher’s chance against Pere Romeu’s star-studded side, who have contested five of the past six finals. But Slegers, who has propelled Arsenal to new heights following Jonas Eidevall’s resignation in October, demonstrated her coaching prowess and orchestrated a cold and clinical performance on the biggest stage of all to put the club back on their pedestal.
Not only did Arsenal shatter their glass ceiling, they also achieved it while breaking records and inspiring a new generation of young Gunners. Thousands travelled to Portugal and the newly-crowned European champions didn’t disappoint, they are now 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 even more special because it’s been a long-winding road that’s not come without struggle and the various obstacles have been navigated. Back in September, Arsenal were beaten 1-0 by BK Hacken in the first-leg of second-round qualifying in Sweden and their prospects of silverware looked notably bleak amid a dismal start to the season.
Arsenal’s thrilling journey to this trajectory-changing victory is a testament to the power of hard work, continuity and never giving up. And the best part? You can’t deny they deserved it because they defended brilliantly and picked the perfect moment to inflict the match-clinching blow, Barcelona only had themselves to blame.
After surviving an early onslaught, Slegers’ team gradually found their footing and began to relish their role as underdogs, moving the ball around with real confidence. It looked as though Arsenal had taken the lead on 23 minutes when Frida Maanum sprinted down the right and her low cross was inadvertently turned into her own net by Barcelona defender Irene Paredes.
However, after a VAR check, the Spanish national team captain was relieved to find that Maanum had been marginally offside. Just minutes later, the dangerous Norwegian forced a spectacular save from Cata Coll before Arsenal captain Kim Little fired over from close range. Claudia Pina’s dipping shot hit the crossbar after half-time before Ona Batlle narrowly missed.
Alessia Russo, who had been isolated all evening, was then denied by Coll following a determined solo run before Ewa Pajor just headed over. But substitute Blackstenius had the last word, collecting Beth Mead’s pass and firing in the winning goal to cap a night these joyous Arsenal players will never forget. They have served the club proud.
