What a day for Arsenal, what a day for Women’s sport and what a day for English football.
Arsenal Women = Champions of Europe. And many would say, deservedly so. Going in as the underdogs against a ferocious (and ever so slightly cocky) Barcelona Women’s team. To come out victorious and as the UEFA Champion’s League Winners is by no means an easy feat.
It’s no secret Chelsea women have their eyes firmly on that specific prize, but an 8-2 defeat (or thrashing, let’s be honest) over 2 legs in the semi-finals, firmly postponed Chelsea Women’s dreams for another year. However, step forward Arsenal women. Finishing second in the WSL and with no other silverware in their trophy cabinet this season, it was all or nothing for the gunners.
Knocking out eight-time UWL champions Lyon in spectacular style in their semi-finals on their return leg, producing the comeback of the season (from a 2-1 defeat in the first leg, to a 4-1 victory on the return). Arsenal stepped up to play Barcelona in the UWCL final wearing their heart and soul firmly on their sleeves. And that’s exactly what they did, it was pure passion and dedication the minute the starting whistle blew. Game managed to perfection by Renée Slegers, who has been instrumental in turning the Arsenal team around this season. Each player put their all into this match and as the final progressed, their rewards were paying off, holding Barcelona to a 0-0 draw at half time.
As captain Kim Little lead out the Arsenal team for the second half, who herself played an incredible match. Other stand out performances included Caitlin Foord, Katie McCabe, Emily Fox, ex-Barcelona magician Mariona Caldentey and the loan of the WSL season, Chloe Kelly (who has to stay at Arsenal now, surely?!). Along with super-subs Beth Mead and a match winning goal by Sweden’s Stina Blackstenius, securing victory for the gunners, who wrote themselves into the history books with their 1 – 0 win over Barcelona women.
Pretty awesome to note that Mariona Caldentey won the UWCL with Barcelona the previous two years, moves over to England to play for Arsenal women and now wins the UWCL with them this year! An exceptional player and maybe a lucky charm too!
The first time in 18 years since Arsenal women last won, which was also the last time an English women’s team had won the UWCL, that was, until 24.05.25
What an incredible day for English football. Player of the match, without doubt, had to be England’s captain and a lady who deserves her own statue at the club…Leah Williamson. She played her absolute socks off, her brick-wall style blocks, her determination and absolute dedication were second to none. The whole Arsenal team silenced Barcelona. That is not an easy thing to do.
The celebrations look pretty epic so far, and deservedly so, although not sure many of us could keep up with Katie McCabe, but we could all try. Seeing what this meant to the players like Leah Williamson, Kim Little and Lotte Wubben-Moy’s heart-warming moment on the pitch after the final whistle, cements just why so many love this beautiful game.
And as we head towards the Euros with Lionesses Leah Williamson, Alessia Russo, Beth Mead, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Chloe Kelly all coming off the back of this UWCL victory, this can only be incredibly positive and of a huge benefit for the England squad. Congratulations gunners!
