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
Sport
LISBON, PORTUGAL - MAY 24: Stina Blackstenius of Arsenal scores her team's first goal whilst under pressure from Ona Batlle and Irene Paredes 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 Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
LISBON, PORTUGAL - MAY 24: Stina Blackstenius of Arsenal scores her team's first goal whilst under pressure from Ona Batlle and Irene Paredes 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 Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
(Image: Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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 fighting 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 clinical performance on the biggest stage to put the club back on their pedestal.
Not only did Arsenal shatter their glass ceiling, but admirably, they also achieved it while breaking records and inspiring a new generation of young Gunners. The newly-crowned European champions are 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. Back in September, they 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.
Arsenal's thrilling journey to victory is a testament to the power of hard work and continuity. The best part? You can't deny they deserved it, they defended brilliantly and picked the perfect moment to inflict the match-clinching blow.
After surviving an early onslaught, Slegers' team gradually found their footing and began to thrive as underdogs, moving the ball around with real confidence. It seemed like Arsenal had taken the lead on the 23rd minute when Frida Maanum sprinted down the right and her low cross was inadvertently converted 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 left alone all evening, was denied by Coll before Ewa Pajor just headed over. But substitute Blackstenius had the last word, scoring the winning goal on a night these Arsenal players will never forget.