Arsenal won the Women's Champions League for the second time in their history after a resilient display gave them a 1-0 victory over Barcelona.
A scoreless first forty-five nearly saw the sturdy Gunners take the lead at the midway point as Irene Paredes poked a Frida Maanum cross into her own net, but the Norwegian strode a whisker offside in the build-up.
Despite being under mountains of pressure during the second half, Arsenal went in front with fifteen minutes to go. Substitutes Beth Mead and Stina Blackstenius combined, with the latter firing the English side ahead.
Arsenal held on to their slender advantage to seal their first European crown since 2006/07. It caps an extraordinary debut season as head coach for Renee Slegers, who took over from Jonas Eidevall in October of last year.
Story of the Match
Both sides made just one change from their final league matches. Daphne van Domselaar made her return in goal for Arsenal, while Claudia Pina was favoured over Salma Paralluelo.
A confident start from the Gunners saw Barcelona resort to more direct options in the early stages. Though the Catalans were still able to dominate possession, it was Arsenal who were able to carve out the first noteworthy chance.
Kim Little whipped a delightful cross to Caitlin Foord, who seemed caught in two minds as to whether to shoot or head back across goal. Cata Coll watched it bounce past the post.
Aitana Bonmati, the main thrust of attacking inspiration for the Blaugarana, was able to find space inside the penalty area after a clever turn, but her effort was blocked by Chloe Kelly.
23 minutes in Arsenal's focus on attacking the channels paid off as Irene Paredes' attempted clearance trickled into her own net. However, it was swiftly ruled out for offside as would-be assister Frida Maanum went a fraction early. Still, the disallowed goal rubber stamped Arsenal's credentials in the game as they upped the pressure on the Barca backline.
Moments later, Maanum almost put the North Londoners ahead herself, courtesy of a stellar strike from 30 yards out, which was tipped over by Coll. The resulting corner saw another shot blasted over by Little.
Barcelona regained control of the ball, playing in Arsenal's half and forcing them into a low block. Though there was still a collective drawing of Arsenal breath every time they ventured forward, strong defending, mainly from Emily Fox and Leah Williamson, meant any clear cut opportunities were proving tricky to come by and the first half ended goalless.
After the break, Barcelona sought to remedy their first half troubles by creating more dangerous chances. As evident through Pina's first real action of the game as she lashed a long-range attempt goalwards, which van Domselaar dealt with.
Minutes after, a silky link-up between the Spaniard and Bonmati gave Pina her second chance in quick succession. This time her shot was deflected onto the crossbar.
In a sweltering Lisbon, the heat continued to rise for Arsenal. Ona Batlle struck a dangerous chance just shy of the post, while Bonmati's low drive on the hour mark was palmed aside.
The joy the Gunners were able to get in transitions were almost entirely snuffed out as Alexia Putellas, Patricia Guijarro, and Bonmati took charge of the midfield. However, with the Barca fans getting agitated and a goal still alluding them, Renee Slegers' team were still very much in the contest.
Barca came close once again, passing their way round the perimeter of Arsenal's defensive unit before a piercing ball into the middle from Fridolina Rolfo was expertly intercepted by Steph Catley.
In a rare second half counter-attack, substitute Stina Blackstenius nicked the ball just short of the halfway line. The Swede carried the ball into a one-on-one with Coll, who stood firm to keep things level.
Though only momentarily as, in a blistering cameo, Blackstenius got another chance to break the deadlock. A magnificent through ball from fellow sub Beth Mead slotted the 29-year-old in behind, who made no mistake this time, striking across goal to put Arsenal in front.
Blaugrana frustrations grew. They struggled to pepper the goal as much as the early stages of the second half while Blackstenius and Mead were causing huge problems on the counter.
Arsenal's submission hold on Barcelona's creativity held out as they saw out the result to become European champions once more.
Although Kim Little was wearing the armband, Williamson gave a captain's performance for her beloved Arsenal, marshalling a resolute defence to see out the game.
A deft, yet vital headed interception late on symbolised the composure and vision she brought to the Gunners' backline, who had to keep laser focused in the second half in particular.
Blackstenius and Mead's respective performances off the bench were crucial in helping them break free of the Barca pressure, but Williamson's all-round display were even more essential on the night.