Euphoria swept through the Estádio José Alvalade as Arsenal triumphed in the Women’s Champions League final, dethroning the reigning champions Barcelona with a stunning 1-0 victory. Stina Blackstenius’s decisive second-half strike delivered Arsenal’s second European title and ended Barcelona’s hopes of a third consecutive crown.
Arsenal came into the match as underdogs, facing a Barcelona team that had scored an astonishing 128 goals in 30 domestic league games. Yet, they played with fearless intent from the first whistle, attacking with a freedom and joy that had grown with each step toward the final. Having already fought back against Real Madrid and Lyon in dramatic fashion earlier in the tournament, Arsenal showed no interest in simply containing their illustrious opponents. Instead, they pressed high and disrupted Barcelona’s rhythm, dominating the early exchanges.
Head coach Renée Slegers, who took over full-time in January, stuck with a bold and effective game plan. Rather than deploying a cautious approach, she maintained the same structure that had worked so well in their semi-final second leg and on the final day of the Women’s Super League season. Her tactical bravery paid off, as Arsenal created the better first-half chances. Caitlin Foord headed narrowly wide, Chloe Kelly volleyed over, and Frida Maanum forced a fine save from Cata Coll. An own goal was also ruled out for offside in the buildup.
Going into half-time goalless was already a small triumph against a side of Barcelona’s calibre, especially on such a historic occasion this being their 100th Champions League match, and ironically, against the same club they faced in their debut appearance in the competition over a decade ago.
In the stands, the backing of Arsenal’s leadership was clear. Key figures from the club hierarchy were in attendance, including the co-chairman and former club executives, underscoring the serious investment and attention given to the women’s team.
As expected, Barcelona pushed harder in the second half, turning up the tempo in search of a breakthrough. Arsenal’s defence, which had wavered at times late in the domestic season, remained resolute and unshaken, weathering the pressure with composed organisation.
Then, in the 74th minute, came the decisive moment. A rare Arsenal corner was initially cleared but was recycled back into the danger area. Former Barcelona player Mariona Caldentey showed patience before finding Beth Mead on the edge of the area. Mead, with perfect vision, slid the ball into the path of Blackstenius. The Swedish forward drove her shot low and past Coll, silencing the majority but igniting a roar from the red-and-white section of the crowd.
Barcelona protested, claiming offside, but replays confirmed the goal was good. From that moment on, the balance of power shifted. Arsenal began to expertly manage the game, deploying the kind of tactical disruption that Barcelona themselves have long been known for.
As the final whistle blew, a wave of celebration erupted. The Arsenal players, stunned and emotional, embraced amid tears and cheers. The significance of the moment was not lost on them. The club had made every effort to connect this squad with its historic past bringing in legends from their 2007 title-winning side, sharing emotional messages from fans, and reminding the players of their proud legacy.
With their triumph, Arsenal didn’t just win a trophy; they authored a new chapter in the club’s rich history, reaffirming their place as the most decorated side in English women’s football.
