LISBON — Arsenal delivered one of the biggest shocks in recent women’s football history by defeating reigning champions Barcelona 1-0 in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final on Saturday, ending the Spanish giants’ bid for a historic third consecutive title.
Stina Blackstenius netted the decisive goal in the 75th minute at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, finishing a composed move assisted by Beth Mead, who had come off the bench just minutes earlier. The victory handed Arsenal their second European crown, 18 years after they first lifted the trophy — still the only English club to do so.
As the final whistle sounded, Arsenal players sprinted toward the red-and-white section of the crowd, celebrating with jubilant supporters while Barcelona’s hopes of a dynasty lay dashed.
“We believed from the very start of this Champions League journey,” striker Alessia Russo told TNT Sports. “We knew we were good enough — it was just about proving it on the pitch. And we’ve done it!”
Barcelona entered the final as overwhelming favorites, having won three of the past four titles and aiming to become only the second club in history — after Lyon — to claim three straight. Boasting a star-studded lineup that included two-time Ballon d’Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, the Catalan side had steamrolled past Wolfsburg and Chelsea in the knockout stages.
But Arsenal’s tactical discipline and resilience neutralized Barcelona’s usual dominance. The English side frustrated their opponents for most of the match and capitalized when it mattered most, with Blackstenius’ winner punctuating a near-flawless performance.
The final was largely controlled by Barcelona in possession, but Arsenal remained compact and dangerous on the counter. In the second half, manager Jonas Eidevall’s substitutions made the difference, with Mead’s impact proving decisive.
Despite Barcelona’s nine-match unbeaten run heading into the final, Arsenal’s gritty performance showed the competition is far from one-sided.
Saturday’s triumph marks a major milestone for English women’s football, reinforcing Arsenal’s status as a European powerhouse and disrupting Barcelona’s continental dominance. It also adds another chapter to the club’s storied history, reigniting memories of their 2007 triumph.
