Arsenal beat Barcelona to win Champions League

Arsenal have been crowned UEFA Women’s Champions League winners for the second time, edging past defending champions Barcelona 1-0 in a dramatic final in Lisbon.

The decisive moment came in the 75th minute when substitute Stina Blackstenius latched onto a sublime pass from England international Beth Mead, slotting home the match-winner against the run of play.

Barcelona had largely dominated proceedings for much of the game, controlling possession and creating more chances, but were ultimately undone by Arsenal’s resilience and tactical discipline.

Earlier in the match, Arsenal nearly broke the deadlock in the 21st minute when Barcelona defender Irene Paredes inadvertently turned Chloe Kelly’s cross into her own net. However, the effort was ruled out after VAR confirmed Kelly had strayed narrowly offside in the build-up.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Arsenal manager Renee Slegers acknowledged her side’s underdog status but emphasized their determination: “We want to show bravery.”

Barcelona entered the final as overwhelming favourites, having won three of the last four editions of the competition. Arsenal, meanwhile, were chasing a long-awaited second title, their first coming back in the 2006/07 season. They remain the only English side to ever lift the trophy.

Slegers’ side, however, defied expectations with a tactically astute and courageous performance to secure a historic victory and end their 18-year wait for European glory.