The Estádio José Alvalade was abuzz with 38,356 fans as Arsenal took on Barcelona in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final. The London club, led by coach Renée Slegers, was looking to claim their second European title in 18 years.
They faced a tough test against the Spanish giants, who had appeared in five consecutive finals and won the trophy three times, including twice in a row. But Arsenal was not intimidated.
In the first half, Arsenal created the most clear-cut chances, putting pressure on Barcelona’s defense. The Spanish team struggled to find their rhythm, and their usual fluid passing game was nowhere to be seen.
One notable opportunity came when Irene Paredes scored an own goal, but it was later disallowed due to Frida Maanum’s offside position.
After the break, Barcelona came out stronger, but Arsenal’s defense held firm. The London club’s goalkeeper, Sabrina D’Angelo, made crucial saves to deny the Spanish team.
The turning point came when Stina Blackstenius, who had just come off the bench, scored the only goal of the game.
As the final whistle blew, Arsenal celebrated their 1-0 victory, while Barcelona was left to ponder what could have been.
The Spanish team’s coach, Pere Romeu, expressed his disappointment, saying, “We didn’t play a great game. We have experience, a mature team, and we know that in a 90-minute final, anything can happen.”
On the other hand, Renée Slegers beamed with pride, saying, “I’m super proud. We can have all the ideas in our heads, but when the moment arrives, you need to deliver. Today was our toughest game so far, but the players took decisions quickly and made a difference.”
With this win, Arsenal becomes the new champion of Europe, 18 years after their first title. The team will look to build on this success, while Barcelona will aim to bounce back in their upcoming games.
Post-Match Reactions
Both coaches shared their thoughts on the game. Pere Romeu said, “We expected a tough final, and it was. We have a good season, but these 90 minutes don’t define it.”
Renée Slegers added, “I’m incredibly proud of how we dominated the game. It’s above all expectations, considering Barcelona’s quality and favoritism.”
Blackstenius came off the bench to put Arsenal’s hands on the trophy?
@UWCL | @ArsenalWFC 1 x 0 @FCBfemeni#DAZNUWCL pic.twitter.com/iWyfkVwMfa— DAZN Portugal (@DAZNPortugal) May 24, 2025
Coach’s Reflections
Pere Romeu reflected on the game, saying, “We didn’t have superiority, and that made it difficult for us to install ourselves in the opponent’s field. In the second half, we improved, but it wasn’t enough.”
Renée Slegers looked back on the season, saying, “We believed the moment would be on our side, but we were always aware of Barcelona’s quality. I think it’s incredible how we dominated the game.”
The UEFA Women’s Champions League final will be remembered as a thrilling encounter between two top teams.
Arsenal’s victory marks a new chapter in their history, while Barcelona will look to regroup and come back stronger.
Arsenal wins the UEFA Women’s Champions League 18 years later
#DAZNUWCL pic.twitter.com/zRJd4ynPsl— DAZN Portugal (@DAZNPortugal) May 24, 2025