Arsenal and FC Barcelona faced off in the Women’s Champions League Final in Lisbon, Portugal. Barcelona started strong but couldn’t break through Arsenal’s resilient defense, with every defender playing like their lives depended on it. In the end, it was the substitutes—Mead and Blackstenius—who made the difference, sealing the victory and securing the 2024/25 Women’s Champions League title for Arsenal.
Match Highlights
Kim Little equaled Emma Byrne’s record for the highest amount of European appearances for Arsenal.
Exceptional game by Williamson.
VAR intervened when Paredes scored an own goal – Maanum was off side in the build-up.
Blackstenius opened the scoring (Beth Mead assist).
LISBON, PORTUGAL – MAY 24: Mariona Caldentey of Arsenal is challenged by Claudia Pina of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Women’s Champions League final match between Arsenal WFC and FC Barcelona at Estadio Jose Alvalade on May 24, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/womenfootball.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Arsenal-WFC-v-FC-Barcelona-UEFA-Womens-Champions-League-Final-5.jpg?fit=300%2C200&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/womenfootball.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Arsenal-WFC-v-FC-Barcelona-UEFA-Womens-Champions-League-Final-5.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&quality=89&ssl=1" src="https://i0.wp.com/womenfootball.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Arsenal-WFC-v-FC-Barcelona-UEFA-Womens-Champions-League-Final-5.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&quality=89&ssl=1" alt class="wp-image-12761" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/womenfootball.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Arsenal-WFC-v-FC-Barcelona-UEFA-Womens-Champions-League-Final-5.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&quality=89&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/womenfootball.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Arsenal-WFC-v-FC-Barcelona-UEFA-Womens-Champions-League-Final-5.jpg?resize=300%2C200&quality=89&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/womenfootball.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Arsenal-WFC-v-FC-Barcelona-UEFA-Womens-Champions-League-Final-5.jpg?resize=768%2C512&quality=89&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/womenfootball.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Arsenal-WFC-v-FC-Barcelona-UEFA-Womens-Champions-League-Final-5.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&quality=89&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/womenfootball.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Arsenal-WFC-v-FC-Barcelona-UEFA-Womens-Champions-League-Final-5.jpg?w=1600&quality=89&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px">
Arsenal WFC and FC Barcelona at Estadio Jose Alvalade on May 24, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal.
(Photo by Florencia Tan Jun – UEFA via Getty Images)
Arsenal Strike — But VAR Intervenes
Arsenal and FC Barcelona started the match evenly balanced. Neither side managed to create any major opportunities, aside from a header by Caitlin Foord and a close-range effort from Aitana Bonmatí, which was blocked just in time.
Barcelona had a slight edge during the opening 20 minutes, with Arsenal spending more time in their own half rather than attacking the Barça box. Out of the blue, Arsenal thought they had opened the scoring thanks to an own goal by Paredes. However, VAR intervened, and the goal was ruled out for offside. Even though it didn’t stand, the moment gave the Gunners a confidence boost.
Gunners Hold Firm Before the Break
The next big chance fell to Frida Maanum, who launched a rocket toward Cata Coll. The goalkeeper reacted brilliantly, tipping the shot over the crossbar. Barcelona then enjoyed a good spell, pushing Arsenal back after creating a couple of chances. Barça sent cross after cross into the box, but the Gunners dealt with them well, denying any clear shots on goal.
Just before the break, momentum swung further in Barcelona’s favor, with Arsenal forced to block wave after wave of attacks. The Gunners sat deep, defending desperately to make it to halftime without conceding.
LISBON, PORTUGAL – MAY 24: Frida Maanum of Arsenal battles for possession with Patri Guijarro of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Women’s Champions League final match between Arsenal WFC and FC Barcelona at Estadio Jose Alvalade on May 24, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Jan Kruger – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/womenfootball.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Arsenal-WFC-v-FC-Barcelona-UEFA-Womens-Champions-League-Final-7.jpg?fit=300%2C204&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/womenfootball.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Arsenal-WFC-v-FC-Barcelona-UEFA-Womens-Champions-League-Final-7.jpg?fit=1024%2C695&quality=89&ssl=1" src="https://i0.wp.com/womenfootball.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Arsenal-WFC-v-FC-Barcelona-UEFA-Womens-Champions-League-Final-7.jpg?resize=1024%2C695&quality=89&ssl=1" alt class="wp-image-12763" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/womenfootball.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Arsenal-WFC-v-FC-Barcelona-UEFA-Womens-Champions-League-Final-7.jpg?resize=1024%2C695&quality=89&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/womenfootball.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Arsenal-WFC-v-FC-Barcelona-UEFA-Womens-Champions-League-Final-7.jpg?resize=300%2C204&quality=89&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/womenfootball.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Arsenal-WFC-v-FC-Barcelona-UEFA-Womens-Champions-League-Final-7.jpg?resize=768%2C521&quality=89&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/womenfootball.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Arsenal-WFC-v-FC-Barcelona-UEFA-Womens-Champions-League-Final-7.jpg?resize=1536%2C1043&quality=89&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/womenfootball.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Arsenal-WFC-v-FC-Barcelona-UEFA-Womens-Champions-League-Final-7.jpg?w=1600&quality=89&ssl=1 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px">
Arsenal WFC and FC Barcelona at Estadio Jose Alvalade on May 24, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal.
(Photo by Jan Kruger – UEFA via Getty Images)
Second half: Who breaks the deadlock?
FC Barcelona started the second half brightly, creating a big chance for Ona Batlle and hitting the crossbar with another effort. Arsenal had little to no response to Barcelona’s dominant play up until the 60th minute. Despite solid defending and excellent saves from Van Domselaar, Arsenal needed to step up if they wanted to win the Women’s Champions League Final.
Pina made way for Paralluelo.
Super substitutes: Mead and Blackstenius
Arsenal kept struggling with Barcelona’s good form, and something had to change. Slegers made two changes: Blackstenius and Mead on for Maanum and Kelly.
Blackstenius dispossessed Mapi León and charged toward goal, but Cata Coll made a crucial save. Barcelona responded immediately with an attack, but Ewa Pajor’s effort landed on the roof of the net. Moments later, Blackstenius found the back of the net when Mead picked her out in the box and she calmly slotted it home in the 74th minute.
Esmee Brugts and Ingrid Engen come on for Rölfo and Mapi León.
Holding onto the lead
Barcelona up the tempo once more to get level but the Arsenal defenders have put in an incredible shift so far. The Spanish team is racing against the clock but they only need one chance to level and possibly go to extra time.
With five more minutes on the clock, Renée Slegers took Caitlin Foord of for Lina Hurtig, who is leaving at the end of the season, playing her last match in the Women’s Champions League.
There is a short break in play when Paralluelo’s shoulder collides with Beth Mead’s face. The England international needs treatment but continued. Seven minutes were added on.
Alessia Russo made way for Lotte Wubben-Moy.
The seven minutes seemed to take a very long time. Barcelona earned another corner kick but it was cleared by the Gunners. Mariona Caldentey earned Arsenal a free kick high up the pitch, which unfortunately led to nothing. However, Arsenal held strong and secured the Women’s Champions League 2024/2025 titles.