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Arsenal Women make history as they stun Barcelona to win Champions League
Arsenal have won the Women's Champions League for the second time in their history after beating Barcelona 1-0 in a historic final in Lisbon, Portugal on Sunday night
The Women's Champions League trophy was stolen by criminals last week, but it was Arsenal who heroically and resiliently snatched it from Barcelona's grasp.
Second-half super sub Stina Blackstenius displayed killer control and finishing just seven minutes after coming on, leading the Gunners to execute an astonishing upset and become European champions for the first time since 2007.
Renee Slegers' brave comeback queens are no strangers to defying odds, but they were 6/1 underdogs upon arrival in Lisbon and were barely given a fighting chance - despite stunning victories over Real Madrid and Lyon - against Pere Romeu's star-studded side, who have contested five of the past six finals.
But Slegers, who has propelled Arsenal to new heights following Jonas Eidevall's relegation in October, demonstrated her coaching prowess and orchestrated a clinical performance on the biggest stage to put the club back on their pedestal.
Not only did Arsenal shatter their glass ceiling, but admirably, they also achieved it while breaking records and inspiring a new generation of young Gunners. The newly-crowned European champions are the first-ever side to not only reach the final but lift the trophy after entering the competition at the first round of qualifying.
This was also their 15th match of their European campaign, no other side has ever played more in the Women's Champions League and that is what makes this glorious triumph even more special. Back in September, they were beaten 1-0 by BK Hacken in the first-leg of second-round qualifying in Sweden.
Arsenal's thrilling journey to victory is a testament to the power of hard work and continuity. You can't deny that Arsenal deserved it, defending brilliantly and choosing the perfect moment to defeat Barcelona, who had dominated possession.
After surviving an early onslaught, Slegers' team gradually found their footing and began to thrive as underdogs, moving the ball around with real confidence. It seemed like Arsenal had taken the lead in the 23rd minute when Frida Maanum sprinted down the right and her low cross was inadvertently converted by Barcelona defender Irene Paredes.
However, after a VAR check, the Spanish national team captain was relieved to find that Maanum had been marginally offside.
Just minutes later, the dangerous Norwegian forced a spectacular save from Cata Coll before Arsenal captain Kim Little fired over from close range. Claudia Pina's dipping shot hit the crossbar after half-time before Ona Batlle narrowly missed.
Alessia Russo, who had been isolated all evening, was denied by Coll before Ewa Pajor just headed over. But substitute Blackstenius had the last word, scoring the winning goal on a night these Arsenal players will never forget.
Daily Star Sunday
Arsenal have won the Women's Champions League for the second time in their history after beating Barcelona 1-0 in a historic final in Lisbon, Portugal on Sunday night
The Women's Champions League trophy was stolen by criminals last week, but it was Arsenal who heroically and resiliently snatched it from Barcelona's grasp.
Second-half super sub Stina Blackstenius displayed killer control and finishing just seven minutes after coming on, leading the Gunners to execute an astonishing upset and become European champions for the first time since 2007.
Renee Slegers' brave comeback queens are no strangers to defying odds, but they were 6/1 underdogs upon arrival in Lisbon and were barely given a fighting chance - despite stunning victories over Real Madrid and Lyon - against Pere Romeu's star-studded side, who have contested five of the past six finals.
But Slegers, who has propelled Arsenal to new heights following Jonas Eidevall's relegation in October, demonstrated her coaching prowess and orchestrated a clinical performance on the biggest stage to put the club back on their pedestal.
Not only did Arsenal shatter their glass ceiling, but admirably, they also achieved it while breaking records and inspiring a new generation of young Gunners. The newly-crowned European champions are the first-ever side to not only reach the final but lift the trophy after entering the competition at the first round of qualifying.
This was also their 15th match of their European campaign, no other side has ever played more in the Women's Champions League and that is what makes this glorious triumph even more special. Back in September, they were beaten 1-0 by BK Hacken in the first-leg of second-round qualifying in Sweden.
Arsenal's thrilling journey to victory is a testament to the power of hard work and continuity. You can't deny that Arsenal deserved it, defending brilliantly and choosing the perfect moment to defeat Barcelona, who had dominated possession.
After surviving an early onslaught, Slegers' team gradually found their footing and began to thrive as underdogs, moving the ball around with real confidence. It seemed like Arsenal had taken the lead in the 23rd minute when Frida Maanum sprinted down the right and her low cross was inadvertently converted by Barcelona defender Irene Paredes.
However, after a VAR check, the Spanish national team captain was relieved to find that Maanum had been marginally offside.
Just minutes later, the dangerous Norwegian forced a spectacular save from Cata Coll before Arsenal captain Kim Little fired over from close range. Claudia Pina's dipping shot hit the crossbar after half-time before Ona Batlle narrowly missed.
Alessia Russo, who had been isolated all evening, was denied by Coll before Ewa Pajor just headed over. But substitute Blackstenius had the last word, scoring the winning goal on a night these Arsenal players will never forget.
Daily Star Sunday