In a stunning upset at Lisbon’s Estádio José Alvalade, Arsenal defeated defending champions Barcelona 1-0 to claim their second UEFA Women’s Champions League title and first in 18 years. The decisive moment came in the 74th minute when substitute Stina Blackstenius found the bottom corner following a precise assist from Beth Mead.
Barcelona, aiming for a third consecutive title, struggled to break through Arsenal’s resilient defense. Despite dominating possession, the Spanish side failed to convert their chances, with Arsenal’s backline, led by Leah Williamson and Steph Catley, delivering a disciplined performance.
The victory marks a significant achievement for Arsenal, who have rebuilt their squad in recent years to compete at the highest level of European football. The win also highlights the growing competitiveness of women’s football, with English clubs challenging the dominance of traditional powerhouses like Barcelona.
This article is adapted from content originally published by BBC Sport.
