Lisbon, Portugal – Arsenal have dramatically secured their first Women’s Champions League title in 18 years, stunning European giants Barcelona with a decisive goal from substitute Stina Blackstenius.
The Sweden international striker sealed the historic victory, taking a single touch before powerfully firing past goalkeeper Cata Coll from ten yards out. The winning strike came after a superb assist from fellow substitute Beth Mead.
Arsenal had been widely considered underdogs entering the final in Lisbon, facing a Barcelona side that had claimed three of the last four European titles and boasted two-time Ballon d’Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas.
Despite Barcelona’s recent dominance in club football, they struggled to assert themselves in a pulsating final. The defending champions were initially rattled in the first half when defender Irene Paredes inadvertently put the ball into her own net, though the goal was disallowed after a VAR check ruled Frida Maanum offside in the build-up.
Arsenal continued to create chances, with Maanum testing goalkeeper Coll with a powerful shot from the edge of the box. Captain Kim Little also missed a significant opportunity, sending her effort over the bar from a corner, leading to concerns that Arsenal’s golden moment might be slipping away.
Barcelona began to find more rhythm after the break, with Ewa Pajor’s cross-shot deflecting onto the crossbar. Ona Batlle unleashed a powerful long-range strike, and Pajor had further attempts inside the box, but Arsenal’s resolute defence held firm, blocking numerous goal-bound shots and largely silencing the fervent Barcelona supporters in Portugal.
This triumph marks one of the greatest nights in Arsenal’s storied history, echoing their previous European glory in 2007. The victory is also seen as a significant early success under manager Renee Slegers’ tenure, potentially heralding a new era of dominance for the club.
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