Matildas star Caitlin Foord has helped cap off an historic week in Australian football after a standout performance in Arsenal's shock Women's Champions League title victory over Barcelona. The Gunners won the final 1-0 against the much more fancied Spanish heavyweights thanks to a second half strike from Stina Blackstenius, as Foord celebrated winning the trophy alongside Matildas teammates Steph Catley and Kyra Cooney-Cross.
Foord and Catley both started for Arsenal, with the former putting in an incredible shift in attack and defence down the left flank. Matildas vice-captain Catley was also a rock at the back for the Gunners, who had to withstand a barrage from Barcelona before becoming European champions for the first time in 18 years.
On the left is Caitlin Foord and on the right with Matildas teammates Steph Catley and Kyra Cooney-Cross.
Caitlin Foord was given a standing ovation she was subbed off late on as she and Matildas teammates Steph Catley and Kyra Cooney-Cross won the Champions League trophy with Arsenal. Pic: Getty
Barcelona were heavy favourites to win their fourth European title in five seasons and were led by two-time Ballon d'Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas. The Catalan club had also hammered English champions Chelsea in the semi-final tie, but found a defence superbly marshalled by Catley an impossible nut to crack.
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Arsenal had to repel Barca on countless occasions before Blackstenius broke the deadlock in the 75th minute. The Swede latched on to fellow sub Beth Mead's pass in a crowded penalty area to fire home and fittingly claimed player-of-the-match honours after the game.
However, that honour could easily have gone to Foord, whose relentless work off the ball was epitomised by a stunning block on Barcelona's Fridolina Rolfo on the byline that thwarted a dangerous foray into the Arsenal box and prompted a first-bump from the Matildas star. Foord's energy was also on show further up the pitch as she peppered Barcelona's defence with several dangerous crosses into the box for teammates.
Caitlin Foord given standing ovation after standout game
The Gunners had to be on their toes after an onslaught at the start of the second half when Barcelona fired eight shots at them in the 15 minutes after the restart. But the stunning Arsenal rearguard held firm and when Foord was finally substituted in the 85th minute, the Matildas ace was given a rousing ovation from the travelling fans in a special acknowledgement of her tireless efforts.
IM BACK HERE CAITLIN FOORD YOURE INSANE pic.twitter.com/OpEaWPY8NA
— kayds ♡’s Georgia (@lessirusso_) May 24, 2025
Caitlin Foord comes off and gets a standing ovation with Lina Hurtig, leaving Arsenal at the end of the season, replacing her. Can Hurtig leave the club with a Champions League medal pic.twitter.com/2DrPfJsRzd
— ᴀʙᴅ ᴍᴀʜᴊᴇᴇᴅ (@ladeehcares) May 24, 2025
What a game Caitlin Foord's had.
She has destroyed Ona Batlle, particularly in the first half. Defensively, she has been incredible. She is getting her plaudits from the Arsenal fans.
— ᴀʙᴅ ᴍᴀʜᴊᴇᴇᴅ (@ladeehcares) May 24, 2025
Foord surely in the mix for POtM. She ran her socks off and was a brilliant outlet for Arsenal. Hoping they can hold on now!! #ChampionsLeagueFinal
— Lynda O'Donoghue Donnelly (@Lynda_ODonoghue) May 24, 2025
Aussies crowned champions of Europe! 🏆🇦🇺
A massive congratulations to Caitlin Foord, Steph Catley and Kyra Cooney-Cross on winning the @UWCL with their @ArsenalWFC side earlier today! 👏
Both Foord and Catley started for Arsenal as they defeated FC Barcelona 1-0 in Lisbon to… pic.twitter.com/9IpknPxtwD
— Front Page Football (@FrontPgFootball) May 24, 2025
🇦🇺 What a week for Aussies in Europe!
• Ange Postecoglu - Enough said.
• Joe Montemurro - Conquers a 3rd European league with Lyon.
• Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord & Kyra Cooney-Cross join Harry Kewell & Ellie Carpenter as the only Australians to win a Champions League 🏆 pic.twitter.com/kFTachy8Dx
— Adriano Del Monte (@adriandelmonte) May 24, 2025
Matildas trio join Ellie Carpenter as European winners
Arsenal are still the only English club to have won the tournament, despite Sam Kerr's best efforts with Chelsea. And the Matildas trio of Catley, Foord and Cooney-Cross - who was an unused substitute on the night - celebrated the momentous occasion by proudly carrying the Australian flag around Lisbon's Jose Alvalade Stadium, following one of the great shocks of the women's season.
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It capped off an incredible week for Australian football after Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou became the first Aussie coach to win a major European trophy in men's football, following Spurs' Europa League final victory over Manchester United. The Matildas trio now join their national teammate Ellie Carpenter - a previous winner with French giants Lyon - as the only Aussie women to lift the Champions League trophy.
Seen here, Matildas stars Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord and Kyra Cooney-Cross celebrate Arsenal's Women's Champions League victory over Barcelona after the final in Lisbon.
Matildas stars Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord and Kyra Cooney-Cross celebrate Arsenal's Women's Champions League victory over Barcelona after the final in Lisbon. Pic: Getty
Pictured here, Arsenal lifting the Women's Champions League trophy after a 1-0 victory over Barcelona in the Lisbon final.
Arsenal lifted the Women's Champions League trophy after a 1-0 victory over Barcelona in the Lisbon final. Pic: Getty
Despite all of Barcelona's possession and shots during the game, it was Arsenal who created the better chances with Barca goalkeeper Cata Coll having to deny Frida Maanum and Blackstenius before the Swede finally found the target. The closest Barca came to scoring was when Claudia Pina's shot hit the crossbar just after halftime when Arsenal were rocking.
The win was also massive for Arsenal manager Renee Slegers, who took over mid-season with the side in turmoil following Jonas Eidevall's resignation. But Slegers managed to guide the Gunners top another incredible title triumph in only their second appearance in the final in 18 years, having won the Champions League trophy back in 2007.
with AAP