Arsenal stunned European football on Saturday, May 24, by defeating Barcelona 1-0 to win the UEFA Women’s Champions League in Lisbon, clinching their second continental title and ending the Spanish giants’ recent dominance. Stina Blackstenius scored the decisive goal in the 74th minute, capping off a disciplined and resilient display that saw the English side overcome the odds against a Barcelona team that had lifted the trophy three times in the last four seasons.
The Swedish striker’s composed finish followed a swift counter-attack, as substitute Beth Mead’s clever reverse pass slipped her through on goal. Blackstenius, denied earlier by a sharp save from Cata Coll, made no mistake on her second attempt, slotting the ball through Ona Batlle’s legs and into the far corner. It was a moment of quality that sealed Arsenal’s return to European glory, 18 years after their first Champions League triumph in 2007.
Under the guidance of manager Renee Slegers, Arsenal produced a tactically astute performance, frustrating Barcelona in the first half and soaking up pressure in the second. The Gunners nearly took the lead earlier when Irene Paredes inadvertently turned a cross into her own net, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside in the build-up. Frida Maanum and Kim Little also came close to breaking the deadlock before the breakthrough finally came.
Barcelona, celebrating their 100th match in European competition, looked off the pace in the first half, unable to replicate the fluidity that saw them put 10 goals past Wolfsburg and eight past Chelsea in previous rounds. Arsenal’s defence, marshalled superbly by Leah Williamson, kept Barcelona’s Ballon d’Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas quiet throughout. Daphne van Domselaar, recalled in goal, produced key saves, including a vital block from Bonmati at the near post and a fortuitous moment when Salma Paralluelo’s deflected shot clipped the bar.
Despite a more spirited second-half showing, Barcelona could not find a way back. Ona Batlle and Bonmati had chances, but Arsenal held firm. The anticipated late surge never materialised, and the Gunners managed the final minutes with composure and grit to seal the victory.
As Arsenal’s players lifted the trophy under the Lisbon sun, it marked a landmark moment for English women’s football. The only British side to have ever won the competition, Arsenal once again etched their name into European history by beating the continent’s most celebrated team. Barcelona, meanwhile, were left to reflect on a rare failure in a season that fell short of their past brilliance.