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.
HALF TIME! Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
A fascinating half in Lisbon. After a shaky start, Arsenal have grown into the final - showing the resilience to keep Barcelona at bay and even cause a few problems.
It was 0-0 at half time in last year’s final and Barcelona did not take the lead until late on when they defeated Lyon. They have that experience to know they can stay patient.
HT Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
45 mins: Arsenal’s intensity may be fading after a tireless first half. The heat favours Barcelona who are starting to take control. The Gunners are holding firm but their earlier momentum has waned.
Barcelona have seen more of the ball, but both sides have managed just one effort on target.
Arsenal have had the better chances in a solid first half with Williamson superb at the back. Barcelona haven’t hit top gear yet, but a big second half is likely.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
43 mins: Kim Little does well to track a midfield run showing Arsenal’s defensive focus. Barcelona fans appeal for handball after Graham Hansen’s effort but play continues. Arsenal then enjoy a rare spell of possession in midfield.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
41 mins: Van Domselaar isn’t punching crosses far but is managing them well. Arsenal took a moment to rehydrate before a corner, with Fox blocking a pass to Pina.
Putellas tries to break through but Foord, McCabe, and Catley have kept close, limiting her impact.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
38 mins: Williamson briefly lost the ball but made a key tackle on Pina in the box to clear danger. Graham Hansen’s run was blocked by Arsenal’s defense and McCabe forced a corner with a tough block.
Leah Williamson also intercepted Pajor’s poor pass, preventing a shot. Mistakes like that can be costly against Barcelona.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
33 mins: Putellas earns a corner after a challenge from Foord, who lets out a roar of determination after sprinting the length of the pitch to make that crucial block. Arsenal are handling the big stage and tough opposition with calm confidence. Aside from one tense moment in their penalty area they’ve kept errors to a minimum.
Barcelona responded well creating space for left-back Rolfo who found plenty of room on the flank. But Foord stayed alert and made a solid block to stop her low cross.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
30 mins: Kelly is causing havoc cutting in dangerously from the wing and Barcelona are struggling to keep track of her runs. Catley finds her and her cross is quickly met by Arsenal players before the defence clears the danger.
At the other end Bonmatí quickly reminds Arsenal of her threat. After swapping flanks with Foord, Kelly was set free down the left through some slick passing.
She delivered a low ball behind Barcelona’s defence, but Foord couldn’t connect with a shot. Bonmatí then charged toward the Arsenal box but fired straight at Van Domselaar.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
27 mins: Chance! Maanum fires a powerful shot only to be denied by an outstanding save. Both players were superb in that moment.
After Maanum’s long-range effort, Coll had to scramble back to make a top-class stop. From the corner, Little lashes her shot just over the bar.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
25 minutes: Arsenal have looked strong and created more chances than Barcelona so far. They just need to capitalise because Barcelona won’t stay off their game for long.
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