In a shocking upset in the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Arsenal won their first UEFA Women’s Champions League title. In a thrilling game, they helped secure a 1-0 victory over Barcelona. Sunday’s final turned into a physical duel between the two biggest powerhouses of women’s football. Barcelona were going for their fourth trophy in five years. They had an attitude of confidence going into the game, boasting a nine match unbeaten streak in the tournament.
Barcelona came out fighting at the beginning of the second half, determined to get back into the contest. Their squad, featuring two-time Ballon d’Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, came out in waves. Their tactical offensive pressure forced Arsenal’s backline to remain extremely active and on high alert all match. And yet, for all their optimism and determination going forward, they weren’t able to break through.
So, in the opening seconds of the game, Leah Williamson made some plays. Even more impressive was her dramatic, last-second block, negating a killer shot from a Barcelona player way deep in the box. Like neck-snapping pressure Barcelona would keep on their opponents. In the 22nd minute, what would have been an Irene Paredes own-goal was overturned as Frida Maanum was offside in the buildup.
Claudia Pina came close to changing that just after halftime, her chipped effort crashing off the crossbar. Ona Batlle raised the danger level still higher, testing the Arsenal goalkeeper with three stunning long-range drives. Sadly, none of them even came close.
Aitana Bonmati certainly took her opportunity to leave a mark. She made a vicious drive, compelling Arsenal netminder Daphne van Domselaar to go low and make a game-changing stop. On the other end, Cata Coll, Barcelona’s goalkeeper, came up with two fantastic saves to reject shots from Frida Maanum and Stina Blackstenius.
Blackstenius made it third time lucky in the 75th minute, getting on the end of a low cross from fellow substitute Beth Mead to net the opener. Aside from the tactical implications, that goal altered the entire tenor of the match. Arsenal opened the scoring, then clung on to that sole goal for the duration of the match.
Barcelona’s sorrow was evident as they pushed for an equalizer, but came up empty under the pressure and shattered hope. Post-game, Aitana Bonmati said she was disappointed not to have won.
“We are very sorry for all our fans who have come to support us,” – Aitana Bonmati
Even with their departure from the tournament, Barcelona proved to be a resilient side and a surprise this entire tournament. They had previously overwhelmed Wolfsburg and English champions Chelsea in earlier knockout rounds, and many expected them to add another trophy to their collection.
Arsenal’s win is the high point of their impressive campaign so far. Alessia Russo spoke to the England Lionesses and their emotional rollercoaster through the tournament.
“We believed from the moment our Champions League journey started,” – Alessia Russo
