Arsenal pulled off a stunning 1-0 win over Barcelona in the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) final at Lisbon’s Estádio José Alvalade, with substitute Stina Blackstenius scoring late to end Barcelona Femení’s dreams of back-to-back quadruples.
Under the blazing Portuguese sun, Barcelona entered their milestone 100th European match as overwhelming favourites. But Arsenal—the only English club to have won the competition—came to Lisbon with their sights set on replicating their 2006/07 glory.
Barcelona dominated the early exchanges, enjoying 66% possession in the opening 15 minutes. Yet, despite their control, the three-time UWCL winners couldn’t break through, thanks to Arsenal’s resolute and timely defending.
Midway through the first half, Arsenal thought they had taken a surprise lead. Frida Maanum surged down the right and delivered a low cross that Irene Paredes inadvertently turned into her own net. However, the goal was ruled out for offside, as Maanum had strayed too far forward. It served as a wake-up call for Barcelona, as Arsenal began to find their rhythm.
Maanum remained at the heart of Arsenal’s attacking moves. Her powerful long-range strike forced Cata Coll into a superb save, tipping the ball over the bar.
Barcelona regained control before the break but couldn’t convert pressure into goals, and the teams went in at halftime level.
After the restart, Barcelona looked sharper. Claudia Pina tested Daphne van Domselaar from distance, but the Arsenal keeper made a comfortable stop. Moments later, Pina tried again—this time a deflection off Emily Fox sent the ball crashing against the crossbar.
Aitana Bonmatí also came close, weaving past defenders before firing a shot that van Domselaar parried low to her right.
Despite being under heavy pressure, Arsenal held firm and struck in the 74th minute. Just ten minutes after coming on, Beth Mead slipped a clever reverse pass to fellow substitute Blackstenius, who coolly finished into the far corner.
The goal proved decisive, sealing Arsenal’s second UWCL title and halting Barcelona’s pursuit of another historic season.
