Arsenal Women claimed their second Women’s Champions League title with a 1-0 victory over holders Barcelona in Lisbon.
Stina Blackstenius’ 74th-minute strike was the decisive moment in a resolute defensive display that denied Barcelona a third consecutive European crown.
From the first whistle, Barcelona looked intent on dominating the ball, with Aitana Bonmati pulling the strings in midfield and Ewa Pajor a constant aerial threat.
Arsenal, however, held their shape well and found early attacking promise through Caitlin Foord and Chloe Kelly, though their final delivery often let them down.
The first real chance fell to Barcelona in the 31st minute, when Bonmati’s curling effort from outside the box forced a flying save from Daphne van Domselaar.
Minutes later, Arsenal thought they had broken the deadlock when Irene Paredes turned the ball into her own net. However, a lengthy VAR review ruled out the goal for offside.
CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE. THE ONLY IN THE LAND ❤️ pic.twitter.com/6HELAUEn23
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) May 24, 2025
Barcelona emerged from the break with renewed intensity. Claudia Pina and Bonmati both saw efforts saved by van Domselaar in quick succession, and the Spanish champions forced a flurry of corners that kept the Arsenal defence pinned back.
Jonas Eidevall’s substitutions proved crucial. Beth Mead and Stina Blackstenius came off the bench just after the hour mark and immediately offered fresh impetus.
In the 74th minute, Mead slipped a perfectly weighted through ball into the path of Blackstenius, who steadied herself before slotting low past Cata Coll.
Barcelona poured forward in search of an equaliser, with Caroline Hansen and Salma Paralluelo probing down the flanks. Van Domselaar, however, was in inspired form, denying Bonmati and Pina yet again as the minutes ticked away.
Arsenal’s rearguard stood tall, absorbing wave after wave of pressure, and when the final whistle blew after eight minutes of added time, they erupted in celebration.
