Arsenal vs Barcelona LIVE: Underdog Gunners make history with stunning Women’s Champions League win
Arsenal 1-0 Barcelona: Stina Blackstenius grabbed the only goal and the Gunners valiantly clung on to become European champions for the first time in 18 years
Stina Blackstenius struck a late winner as Arsenal shocked two-time holders Barcelona 1-0 in Lisbon to dramatically claim their second Women’s Champions League title.
Arsenal withstood a flurry of Barca chances before Swedish star Blackstenius broke the deadlock in the 75th minute when she latched onto fellow substitute Beth Mead's reverse pass in a crowded penalty area and fired a low diagonal shot past goalkeeper Cata Coll at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Renee Slegers’s Gunners, who were making just their second appearance in the final for 18 years having won Europe's top competition in 2007, held on for a stunning victory to the delight of their 5,000 travelling fans.
The win comes against a mighty Barcelona team playing in their sixth final in seven years and who had hoisted the trophy in three of the past four campaigns. Saturday’s defeat was just their fourth loss of the season across all competitions.
Arsenal1-0 Barcelona
94 mins: Barcelona are launching one final assault, but once again Leah Williamson is perfectly positioned to clear a cross for a corner. The referee steps in to control some tussling in the box. The corner delivery is weak and after Barcelona head it down Blackstenius clears with power.
Barcelona lose possession with a poor pass into the box but quickly regain pressure and earn another corner.
Arsenal 1-0 Barcelona
92 mins: Arsenal are closing ranks now. Wubben-Moy comes on for Russo shifting to a back five. Blackstenius is flagged offside after a neat reverse pass from Mead.
Arsenal 1-0 Barcelona
90 mins: Arsenal are breaking up the rhythm with regular stoppages managing the game smartly. Blackstenius causes more problems in behind but lifts her shot over. Seven minutes of added time to come. Mead draws another foul - more valuable seconds tick away.
Arsenal 1-0 Barcelona
88 mins: Williamson rises to clear yet another cross as Barcelona press forward. Arsenal are winning those key first contacts in the box forcing their opponents to rely on aerial deliveries - a testament to the visitors' defensive discipline.
A collision between Paralluelo and Mead halts play earning the Barcelona forward a yellow card along with a booking for a staff member on the bench. No malice in the challenge, but Mead stays down briefly.
Arsenal 1-0 Barcelona
86 mins: Since scoring Arsenal have launched a few promising counter-attacks but haven’t converted them. They must avoid losing possession near their box and risking a counter themselves. McCabe’s solid defending stands out, as Hurtig comes on for the exhausted Foord.
Arsenal 1-0 Barcelona
81 mins: Foord tweaks her ankle but stays on. Williamson makes a key clearance against Bonmati’s dangerous cross who then sends another out for a goal kick.
Arsenal now focus on managing the game having withstood pressure and created the crucial goal. They must hold strong as Bonmati’s shot deflects wide.
Arsenal 1-0 Barcelona
78 mins: Arsenal are just over 12 minutes away from winning their second Women’s Champions League title, but with Barcelona pressing hard those final moments will feel like a lifetime. Barca has to go big. Brugts and Engen are on.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Barcelona (Blackstenius, 75)
Arsenal kept possession from a corner with Caldentey passing to Mead. Mead’s clever reverse pass caught Barcelona off guard, setting up Blackstenius, who calmly scored. The substitutes combined brilliantly just eight minutes after coming on.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
72 mins: Huge save! Blackstenius makes an immediate impact with her direct approach challenging Cata Coll and forcing an impressive low save. Barcelona quickly respond as Putellas pushes forward and Pajor narrowly heads over. The match is opening up.
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