For the second time in their history, Arsenal W.F.C. claimed European glory with a 1-0 victory against Barcelona in Lisbon.
Understandably, Barcelona Femeni began the day as heavy favourites given their pedigree. Looking to secure a third Champions League success in as many years while competing in a sixth final in seven seasons, not to mention a fifth on the bounce.
For Arsenal, they had earned the right to compete in their first final in 18 years since the days of Karen Carney, Lianne Sanderson, Alex Scott and Faye White when the Gunners overcame Sweden’s Umeå in a two-legged affair back in 2007.
Both sides had eliminated teams from their opponents’ country, Arsenal responsible for sending Real Madrid packing in the Quarter-Final, while Barcelona ended Group D above Manchester City and saw off Chelsea in the Semi-Final round 8-2 on aggregate.
The First Half:
The buildup ahead of the occasion at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon centred around Barcelona’s central attacking threat, the gameplan for Arsenal inevitably to press in those key areas and force the ball wide.
An early break suggested Arsenal would seek to win possession and spring forward on the counter, catching Barcelona’s plethora of attacking players in advanced positions.
Arsenal last took to the field on 10 May, Barcelona still amid their own domestic season, but the Gunners were quick to get a foot in from the outset under former Netherlands international Renée Slegers.
Barcelona, top of Liga F by eight points from rivals Real Madrid, settled into their passing game but found themselves vulnerable to Arsenal’s long ball over the top looking for England international Alessia Russo.
In comparison to their opposition, Arsenal ended their domestic campaign second in the Women’s Super League some twelve points shy of winners Chelsea.
The longer the first half went on without a goal, the more Barcelona players looked irritated by Arsenal’s low block and Barca defender Irene Paredes diverted the ball into her own net courtesy of a low cross from Frida Maanum, only to be salvaged by a VAR intervention for offside.
Cata Coll made an impressive save from a long range hit from Maanum as Arsenal gained momentum around the half hour mark as the Gunners were determined not to come home with a wet sail. Leah Williamson at the heart of the Arsenal defence was often the key player at the back, making interceptions and organising.
As the first half progressed into its latter stages, Arsenal found themselves somewhat struggling to maintain their intensity in the Portuguese heat and that opened up space for the likes of Ewa Pajor and Champions League top goalscorer Clàudia Pina to play on the shoulder, looking to turn the Gunners’ defence around.
Given the dominance of possession from the Catalans, the English side were grateful to hear the half-time whistle of referee Ivana Martinčić.
The Second 45:
Neither Slegers nor Barcelona’s head coach Pere Romeu made changes at the interval. Barcelona came out of the traps like a greyhound, forging chances immediately with Pina finding the crossbar and causing havoc at corners with the tall timber sent forward from the backline.
Ona Batlle struck narrowly wide from outside the box with so much time and space she could have made a phone call before striking towards van Domselaar’s goal.
As the second half minutes ticked off Arsenal’s press dropped slightly, allowing Barcelona to string passes together across the top of the Arsenal penalty area and get shots off albeit from distance.
Romeu was the first to turn to his bench, bringing Salma Paralluelo off the pine to replace Clàudia Pina. The difference between the two sides was very much the way clearances were made.
Arsenal scrambled the ball clear and looked to regroup, while Barcelona were calm to play accurate balls upfield to midfielders in space. In response to the Barca’s change, Arsenal introduced both Beth Mead and Stina Blackstenius.
The introduction of Blackstenius almost paid instant dividends as she ran through on goal, only to see her shot impressively saved low by Cata Coll and moments later Pajor found the roof of the net at the other end.
Arsenal had their dander up thanks to the new arrivals, it was the substitute Blacksteinius who opened the scoring against the run of play from a corner that Barcelona failed to clear.
The two-time Olympic Silver-Medallist earned just a couple of yards, stayed onside and slotted home past Coll as Barcelona’s arms went up in vain protest. Blacksteinius no stranger to a goal in Portugal having scored three in international fixtures over her distinguished career.
From kick-off after the opener, Barcelona came out swinging as they sought to square the ledger with 15 minutes remaining. Pere Romeu, in his first season occupying the head coach role, threw Esmee Brugts and Ingrid Syrstad Engen into the fray – both former Champions League winners.
Barca’s Hansen went down just outside the area looking for a foul from Katie McCabe’s tackle but referee Martinčić waved away her claims and McCabe gave the Norwegian a deserved spray.
Seven added minutes were indicated, giving the Barcelona supporters on hand in the Estádio José Alvalade renewed hope. Arenal employed a few of the dark arts, earning fouls and crucially breaking up Barcelona’s momentum as space opened up for their technical midfielders.
A result 18 years in the making and it came as a result of solid defending, keeping shape and discipline against Barcelona’s dominant possession. As Chelsea claim domestic honours, underdogs Arsenal celebrate European glory in Lisbon.
Player of the Match: Leah Williamson.