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.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Barcelona (Paredes, 21)
Arsenal take the lead! Paredes redirects Kelly’s cross into her own net.
VAR is reviewing the decision.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
20 minutes: Arsenal will be relieved to have kept a clean sheet through the first 20 minutes, a crucial period for them.
Meanwhile, Steph Catley has already made four clearances in the first 20 minutes - double the next closest player.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
16 mins: Both teams are looking shaky in defence. Arsenal had conceded 12 goals in their last three games before the final, and there is not much assuredness there when it comes to dealing with the danger.
Arsenal, though, are looking much more confident in midfield. The gaps in the Barcelona defence appear to be defending the back post, which has brought chances for Foord and Kelly, who have switched sides.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
14 minutes: Chance! Kelly kicks it over the bar.
Foord connects with Kelly at the far post, who takes a first-time strike, a rather tough finish to pull off.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
12 minutes: Chance! Bonmatí cuts inside and shoots, effortlessly finding space that’s tough to track.
Arsenal quickly fall back to shut her down.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
11 minutes: First real nerves are starting to show, but Williamson steps up with two crucial clearances.
Barcelona beginning to find a bit more rhythm.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
9 minutes: Chance! Pina goes down under Kelly’s challenge, but play continues.
Pajor heads just wide, a real let-off for Arsenal after a chaotic spell.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
6 minutes: Arsenal have edged the early attacking moments - limited, but encouraging.
Barcelona haven’t come out flying and the Gunners have stood firm at the back.
Now it’s about keeping that up for the next 85 minutes.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
3 minutes: Arsenal start on the front foot.
Foord presses high to win possession but her pass doesn’t find a teammate. A lively, determined opening.
Fox tries to spark something down the far flank, but Arsenal's movement isn’t helping - runners pulling away.
She manages to earn a throw-in. Maanum and Caldentey need to drop in and help steady things for the visitors. It’s a great start for Arsenal, who seem to be upsetting Barcelona’s Rhythm.
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