Arsenal Women won his second female title in the Champions League with a 1-0 victory against the holders of Barcelona in Lisbon.
The 74th minute strike of Stina Blackstenius was the decisive moment in a resolved defensive exhibition which refused to Barcelona a third consecutive European crown.
From the first whistle, Barcelona intended to dominate the ball, Aitana Bonmati pulling the strings in the midfield and Ewa Pajor a constant air threat.
Arsenal, however, has held its form well and found an early attacker promise by Caitlin Foord and Chloe Kelly, although their final delivery has often dropped them.
The first real chance fell in Barcelona in the 31st minute, when Bonmati’s curling effort from the outside of the box forced a flying backup of Daphne Van Domselaar.
A few minutes later, Arsenal thought that they had broken the dead end when Irene Paredes transformed the ball into his own net. However, a long Var review excluded the length of maid.
European champions. The only one in the country ❤️ pic.twitter.com/6helauen23
– Arsenal Women (@Arsenalwfc) May 24, 2025
Barcelona emerged from the break with a renewed intensity. Claudia Pina and Bonmati both saw efforts saved by Van Domselaar in rapid succession, and the Spanish champions forced a burst of corners which kept the defense of Arsenal pinned.
Jonas Eidevall’s substitutions have proven to be crucial. Beth Mead and Stina Blackstenius came out of the bench just after the hour and immediately offered a new momentum.
In the 74th minute, Mead slipped a perfectly weighted bullet in the path of Blackstenius, which stabilized before slipping in front of Cata Coll.
Barcelona poured out in search of an equalizer, Caroline Hansen and Salma Paralleluelo surveying on the sides. Van Domselaar, however, was in inspired form, denying Bonmati and Pina again while the minutes moved away.
Arsenal’s rearguard stood standing, absorbing a wave after a wave of pressure, and when the final whistle blew after eight minutes of additional time, they broke out to celebrate.
