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UEFA Women’s Champions League

Arsenal win second European crown

Arsenal 1 (Blackstenius 74)

Barcelona 0

Arsenal claimed their first UEFA Women’s Champions League title since 2007, defeating Barcelona 1-0 in a tense final at Lisbon, courtesy of a 74th minute goal from Stina Blackstenius.

The match was a tightly contested affair, with Barcelona dominating possession for large spells, particularly in the second half. However, Arsenal’s resilience and tactical substitutions proved decisive in a tactical masterclass from manager Renee Slegers.

Beth Mead, introduced in the 67th minute alongside Blackstenius, provided the assist with a precise reverse pass, allowing the Swedish striker to slot the ball into the bottom left corner past Barcelona’s goalkeeper, Cata Coll.

Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar was instrumental in the victory, making several key saves. Early in the match, she reacted quickly to deny Ewa Pajor after a through ball from Patri Guijarro, with Emily Fox clearing the subsequent danger. Van Domselaar later stopped efforts from Aitana Bonmati and Claudia Pina, while also gathering a long range shot from Bonmati and watching another Pina delivery loop onto the bar.

Arsenal’s first notable chance came when Kim Little’s cross was headed wide by Caitlin Foord. The Gunners then thought they had gone ahead but a potential own goal by Barcelona defender Irene Paredes, following a Frida Maanum cross, was disallowed by VAR due to an offside call against Maanum in the build up.

Maanum nearly broke the deadlock with a long range strike, which Coll parried over the bar, while Little fired over from a corner as Arsenal grew into the game as the half wore on.

Barcelona responded with pressure of their own. Bonmati tested Van Domselaar with a shot from inside the box, and Pajor was dispossessed by Leah Williamson in a dangerous position. Arsenal’s defence, led by Williamson and Fox, remained resolute, with Fox blocking a Pina effort just before half time.

The second half saw Barcelona intensify their efforts. Pina and Bonmati both went close, with Van Domselaar denying the latter and watching another attempt sail just wide.

Despite the sustained pressure, Arsenal’s substitutions shifted the momentum. Blackstenius nearly scored in the 72nd minute, only to be thwarted by Coll, but her persistence paid off two minutes later with the decisive goal. A corner was not fully dealt with by the Barcelona defence and Little fed Mead whose reverse pass wrongfooted the Barcelona defence and Blackstenius coolly slotted home.

Barcelona pushed for an equaliser, with Pajor going closest by heading onto the roof of the net, but Arsenal’s defence - brilliantly marshalled by the outstanding Leah Williamson - held firm through a prolonged period of stoppage time without any real scares to secure the historic victory.

This triumph marks a memorable end to Arsenal’s season, as they celebrate their second Champions League title - evoking memories of 2007 - and cement their place in European football history.

Arsenal: Daphne Van Domselaar, Emily Fox, Leah Williamson, Steph Catley, Mariona Caldentey, Kim Little, Katie McCabe, Frida Maanum (sub Stina Blackstenius 67mins), Caitlin Foord (sub Lina Hurtig 86mins), Chloe Kelly (sub Beth Mead 67mins), Alessia Russo (sub Lotte Wubben-Moy 90mins). Subs not used: Manuela Zinsberger, Naomi Williams, Laia Codina, Amanda Ilestedt, Jenna Nighswonger, Lia Walti, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Victoria Pelova.

Barcelona: Catalina Coll, Ona Battle, Irene Paredes, Maria Leon (sub Ingrid Engen 79mins), Fridolina Rolfo (sub Esmee Brugts 78mins), Aitana Bonmati, Patri Guijarro, Alexia Putellas, Caroline Graham Hansen, Ewa Pajor, Claudia Pina (sub Salma Paralluelo 62mins). Subs not used: Gemma Font, Ellie Roebuck, Jana Fernandez, Marta Torrejon, Vicky Lopez, Alba Cano, Sydney Schertenleib, Clara Serrajordi, Judit Pujols.