With two straight Champions League titles in the back, the Barcelona women's football team entered Saturday's final as favorites. But on the way to the José Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon, Arsenal had already shown what they can do – by turning around in both the quarterfinals against Real Madrid and in the semifinals against Lyon.
In the final, the London team played disrespectfully from the start. After just over 20 minutes, the goal came, when Barcelona's Irene Paredes unfortunately pushed the ball into her own goal. But a hairline offside made Arsenal goal invalid.
Both teams had their chances both before and after the break, without being able to get it done in front of the goal.
But on Arsenal's bench sat a 29-year-old from Vadstena and waited for her turn.
In the 67th minute, Stina Blackstenius was substituted in. In the 72nd, she tested Barcelona goalkeeper Catia Coll, who saved the reigning champions with a quick foot save.
Cool in the far corner
A couple of minutes later, Coll was helpless.
Beth Mead, also just substituted in, got the ball on the edge of the penalty area and poked it behind the opposing defenders – to Blackstenius.
This time, she coolly rolled it in 1-0 in the far corner and shot the Champions League trophy to Arsenal.
I don't know what to say. It's hard to understand, it's so many emotions spinning. I can't understand that we won the Champions League, says Blackstenius to Dazn.
Blackstenius has otherwise had a tough season, with declining goal form. Saturday's success will likely make up for most of it.
First title in 18 years
Barcelona's Fridolina Rolfö played from the start, but was substituted out in the second half. In Arsenal, Lina Hurtig was also substituted in after the break, while Amanda Ilestedt remained on the bench. Both Hurtig and Ilestedt made their last match in the Arsenal jersey in the final.
Rosa Kafaji was completely absent from Arsenal's squad due to injury.
The title is also a major success for Sweden's Renée Slegers. Two years ago, she was fired from the Damallsvenskan Rosengård's assistant coach and became assistant coach in Arsenal under Jonas Eidevall. When Eidevall left in the fall, Slegers took over – and now the 39-year-old Dutchwoman has taken the team to their first European title since 2007.
