Lisbon, 25 May (H.S.): Stina Blackstenius’s second-half goal led Arsenal to a stunning victory over Barcelona, securing their second European title and igniting ecstatic celebrations among the Gunners. Filled with disbelief, hugs, and tears, Arsenal’s players embraced their unexpected triumph against the three-time European champions. The team’s performance was striking from the outset, showcasing a newfound freedom and joy that had been absent until this final match. Having successfully navigated the challenging semi-finals against Real Madrid and Lyon, expectations for an upset were minimal; yet, Arsenal’s fearless approach left even their prolific opponents shocked.
In the Estádio José Alvalade, head coach Renée Slegers, who officially took charge in January after stepping in last year, maintained a bold strategy rather than playing defensively against the reigning champions. This decision mirrored their successful tactics in recent games, opting for an aggressive playing style that took the game to Barcelona instead of settling back defensively.
Arsenal’s organized pressing and confidence were evident in their first-half performance, where they created several scoring opportunities. Although Caitlin Foord narrowly missed with a header, Chloe Kelly’s volley went over, and a disallowed own goal added to the tension of the match. A crucial save from Barcelona’s goalkeeper Cata Coll further highlighted Arsenal’s attacking intent.
Ultimately managing to hold Barcelona scoreless at halftime was a significant achievement considering they were facing a side celebrating their 100th Champions League game. Arsenal’s spirit and determination set the tone for an inspiring match, culminating in a well-deserved victory and showcasing their progression in women’s football on a European stage.
The commitment of Arsenal to their women’s team was on full display during a crucial match, with co-chairman Josh Kroenke joining other officials, including former vice-chairman David Dein, in attendance. This dedication sharply contrasted with the lack of support from Manchester United Women’s minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, whose absence from the last two FA Cup finals faced public criticism.
As Barcelona aimed for a third consecutive win, they intensified their play in the second half, but Arsenal’s defense held strong despite having conceded 12 goals in their previous three WSL matches. The turning point came in the 74th minute when Arsenal capitalized on a corner that was initially cleared. Former Barcelona player Mariona Caldentey sent the ball to Beth Mead at the edge of the box, leading to a substitution-driven goal from Blackstenius, who scored low past the Barcelona goalkeeper — despite Barcelona’s claims of offside.
While the Barcelona supporters dominated the atmosphere, it was the voice of over 5,000 Arsenal fans that resonated powerfully by the end of the match, with another 5,000 fans presumably celebrating back home at the Emirates. The final minutes were tense, but Arsenal’s backline remained resolute, ensuring they held on to their lead.
Leading up to the match, the team had been immersed in the club’s rich history, with past champions from 2007 sharing their experiences, and inspirational messages from fans and the community motivating the players. This preparation paid off as Arsenal forged a memorable new chapter in their storied history, reinforcing their status as the most decorated team in English football, resulting in an outpouring of emotion from the players as they celebrated their remarkable victory.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
