Stina Blackstenius struck a late winner as Arsenal shocked two-time holders Barcelona 1-0 in Lisbon to dramatically claim their second Women’s Champions League title.
Arsenal withstood a flurry of Barca chances before Swedish star Blackstenius broke the deadlock in the 75th minute when she latched onto fellow substitute Beth Mead's reverse pass in a crowded penalty area and fired a low diagonal shot past goalkeeper Cata Coll at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Renee Slegers’s Gunners, who were making just their second appearance in the final for 18 years having won Europe's top competition in 2007, held on for a stunning victory to the delight of their 5,000 travelling fans.
The win comes against a mighty Barcelona team playing in their sixth final in seven years and who had hoisted the trophy in three of the past four campaigns. Saturday’s defeat was just their fourth loss of the season across all competitions.
Arsenal vs Barcelona LIVE: Women's Champions League final latest updates
- Arsenal stun Barcelona 1-0 in the Women's Champions League final thanks to Stina Blackstenius's goal
- The Gunners claim the Champions League for the second time, 18 years after their previous triumph
- Barcelona were going for a third straight Champions League crown but fall short of the hat-trick
- 75' - GOAL! Blackstenius swivels and slots home to give Gunners shock lead (ARS 1-0 BAR)
- 49' - CROSSBAR! Pina's deflected effort cannons off the bar (ARS 0-0 BAR)
- 22' - NO GOAL! Paredes sees own goal after Kelly's cross disallowed for offside in the build-up (ARS 0-0 BAR)
Ian Wright claims Women’s Champions League triumph saved Arsenal from ‘embarrassment’
10:18 , Jamie BraidwoodIan Wright believes Arsenal deserve a parade for winning the Women's Champions League after the "embarrassment" of the men's side failing to win any silverware.
Arsenal beat favourites Barcelona 1-0 at the Estadio Jose Alavade thanks to a 74th-minute goal from Stina Blackstenius which secured the Gunners their first European trophy in 18 years.
The men's side reached the semi-finals of the Champions League before losing out to Paris Saint-Germain and are set to confirm second place in the Premier League on the final day of the season.
"It's saved the club," former Arsenal striker Wright said on TNT Sports of the Women's Champions League triumph.
"The embarrassment of not winning anything this season when we've played so well with the men. The ladies have saved the club. We've got something to celebrate.”
Ian Wright claims Women’s Champions League triumph saved Arsenal from ‘embarrassment’
How Renee Slegers and Arsenal masterminded the ‘game of our lives’ to take down Barcelona
02:01 , Jamie BraidwoodThe game plan was prepared, the video analysis had been cut and the tactics board was set out, ready to go. The substitutes, including the two players who would combine to become Arsenal’s match-winners, had received their roles for the week before the Women’s Champions League final: they would pretend to play like Barcelona, to deploy their shape in training and replicate their attacking movements, rotations and overloads against Arsenal’s starting line-up.
Arsenal felt ready as they arrived at the Jose Alvalade Stadium. On the day of the club’s biggest game in a generation, against the best team in the world, there was a sense of calm. They were relaxed and knew the work had been done.
But having a plan is one thing, executing it is another.
How Renee Slegers and Arsenal masterminded the ‘game of our lives’
Arsenal make history in Champions League thanks to the dream that never died
Sunday 25 May 2025 00:30 , Jamie BraidwoodInspired by the past, Arsenal made more history in the Women’s Champions League and pointed the way to the future. Against the odds, and after surviving everything Barcelona threw at them, they are champions of Europe again. The only English women’s club to win the competition does so 18 years on from their previous appearance in the final, and the scoreline remained the same: Stina Blackstenius rose from the bench, was played in by another substitute in Beth Mead, and fired Arsenal to the title while dethroning Barcelona.
Arsenal’s season was in disarray in September when they lost their opening game of the Champions League group stages 5-2 to Bayern Munich and head coach Jonas Eidevall departed days later. In Lisbon, Renee Slegers could observe a season that has not just been saved, or resurrected, but will go down as their greatest ever. In their biggest game of a generation, Arsenal showed their resilience again. “You struggle together, you suffer together, you find ways to win,” Slegers said. “We’ve done that.”
Arsenal make history in Champions League thanks to the dream that never died
Will Arsenal hold a trophy celebration after winning Women’s Champions League?
Saturday 24 May 2025 23:30 , Jamie BraidwoodArsenal will hold a victory celebration outside the Emirates Stadium on Monday after sensationally winning the Women’s Champions League for the first time in 18 years.
The Gunners stunned holders Barcelona in Lisbon as Stina Blackstenius delivered the suckerpunch after the English side survived long spells of pressure.
The victory is Arsenal’s first European title since 2007 and they are the first English women’s side to win the Champions League since that trailblazing squad.
Now, Renee Slegers and her players will celebrate with a trophy lift in Armoury Square, which is just outside the club’s Emirates Stadium in North London.
Will Arsenal hold a trophy celebration after winning Women’s Champions League?
Arsenal captain Kim Little reveals emotional significance of Champions League triumph
Saturday 24 May 2025 22:26 , Jamie BraidwoodCaptain Kim Little said Arsenal had to be “perfect” to beat Barcelona to win the Women’s Champions League as the club’s longest-serving player soaked in a moment she described as the best of her career.
Little first joined Arsenal in 2008, the year after the club became European champions by winning the 2007 Uefa Women’s Cup, a success the Gunners have now finally emulated by beating Barcelona in Lisbon.
“It's very special for me,” Little, 34, said. “ I've been at the club a very long time and we have had incredible periods where we have been successful. The club won it in 2007 and I signed the year after that.”
Arsenal captain Kim Little reveals emotional significance of Champions League triumph
Arsenal boss Renee Slegers reveals she predicted Champions League-winning goal
Saturday 24 May 2025 21:28 , Jamie BraidwoodArsenal boss Renee Slegers revealed she predicted Stina Blackstenius’s Women’s Champions League-winning goal after her second-half substitute scored in the 74th minute of their 1-0 Lisbon final victory against Barcelona.
The Gunners remain the only English team to lift the trophy, doing so for a second time 18 years after they became the first as part of an historic quadruple-winning campaign.
And it was a decision by the 36-year-old head coach that proved especially prescient as Blackstenius’ fellow replacement Beth Mead provided the pinpoint pass to tee up the Sweden international.
“I was joking with Beth after the game, I was like, ‘I told you, give the ball to Stina and she will score’,” Slegers told DAZN.
“No, it’s not that easy. You do everything you can, you make decisions all the time, players on the pitch and also on the sidelines, getting the timing right.”
Arsenal boss Renee Slegers reveals she predicted Champions League-winning goal
Arsenal hero Stina Blackstenius on her impact in the Champions League final
Saturday 24 May 2025 20:47 , Jamie BraidwoodArsenal’s goalscorer Stina Blackstenius:
"I just can't believe it - all of it. It was such a team performance from the very beginning until the very end and I just can't believe it - we won the Champions League and we get to celebrate it . It hasn't sunk in yet.
“I'm so happy I could give a goal today. They said I should try to run in behind and try to stretch them but this is, once again, a big, big team performance. I'm so proud of our journey, how we came here and how we managed the game today."
Kim Little: 'It felt like our year'
Saturday 24 May 2025 20:27 , Jamie BraidwoodArsenal captain KIm Little, who joined Arsenal in 2008 - a year after they last won the Women’s Champions League
“It felt like our year, and the game today was the same thing. It went our way. We played the game the way we wanted, and it went our way.
“In the other games we had two legs, so we had time to adjust. Today we knew it was one game and we had to executive our gameplan, we had to stop them and manage the space well, and the whole team did that incredibly well today, I’m so proud.”
Arsenal make history in Champions League thanks to the dream that never died
Saturday 24 May 2025 20:11 , Jamie BraidwoodInspired by the past, Arsenal made more history in the Women’s Champions League and pointed the way to the future. Against the odds, and after surviving everything Barcelona threw at them, they are champions of Europe again. The only English women’s club to win the competition does so 18 years on from their previous appearance in the final, and the scoreline remained the same: Stina Blackstenius rose from the bench, was played in by another substitute in Beth Mead, and fired Arsenal to the title while dethroning Barcelona.
Arsenal make history in Champions League thanks to the dream that never died
Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers to TNT Sports:
"We only keep on building, keep believing on what we can do. And then we're building something really strong, keep building next season. And Arsenal want to keep winning trophies!"
Arsenal captain Kim Little to TNT Sports: ‘It felt like our year’
"We just had an incredible run in the Champions League. It felt like our year, we played the game the way we wanted.
"In the other games, we had two legs and had time to adjust. We had one game today and had to execute the game plan, manage the space well and the whole team did that. I’m so proud.
"I’ll have sunstroke later, it was very hot! Definitely worse than England, and with this Scottish skin as well!
"We have an incredible squad, we showed that today. Especially with Beth and Stina coming on, then Lina and Lotte who saw out the game.
"To win that trophy, then to lift it with Leah – a childhood Gooner and like myself had been at the club a long time – that was really special.
"This is the ultimate for a club, but we’ve not won the league in a while, so we’re due one of them. We’ll enjoy this one first!"
Aitana Bonmatí to Catalan TV: ‘Absolutely devastated’
“I don't believe it. I just want to start the game again and do it differently. But this is football. This will serve to come back stronger next year.
“We were not as good as we usually are in the first half. We were more comfortable after the break, but I have to congratulate Arsenal for their performance. They had their game plan and they took advantage of their chances.
£Personally, this hurts me a lot. It's tough. It's hard looking at the stands and seeing all the supporters. It reminds me of Turin (when Barça lost their last final).
“It's a dead ball and we didn't defend it well. In the other area, those of us in attack have to take our chances. We're really sorry, we gave everything. We were not at our best and football penalises you when you're not. Now we have to keep working hard and what's happened in Lisbon has to serve to improve in the future.”
Arsenal boss Renee Slegers to DAZN: ‘We've found ways to win in high-pressure moments’
"Arsenal has been working so hard and leading the way from the start.
"But you see things this season in the team and there are signs that when you are a winning team, you struggle together, you suffer together, you find ways to win.
"In critical, high-pressure moments, we've done that this season."
Arsenal boss Renee Slegers to DAZN: ‘We need fresh legs with subs’
"You make decisions all the times, with players on the pitch and on the sidelines and getting the timing right.
"But all the credit to the players and how they've dealt with this occasion has been superb.
"Fresh legs. It was really tough for the players on the pitch. It was a tough, physical game and we saw Paredes on a yellow card and we want to threaten them more in behind."
Arsenal boss Renee Slegers to DAZN: insight into Arsenal victory
"I'm so happy for the players, staff, everyone working so hard.
"The fans travel with us everywhere, they back us, they support us. We feel so connected to them and I'm so glad we bought this to them.
"There were a few key phases in the game when we knew we had to do really well. That was the start of the game, the first 10 to 20 minutes, we knew Barcelona were going to start fast and come here confident, so we have to stop them, which we did really well.
"Then we grew into the game, we created a couple of good, open chances. At the end of the first half, they had momentum, and we knew it was going to shift.
"They are so good on the ball and they locked us down in the final third, but we defended so well in the key moments.
"In the second half, they had a lot of possession. But again, how we suffered and dealt with different phases. The players that came on for us made a difference. I'm so proud of the team."
Arsenal coach Kelly Smith to TNT Sports: ‘More to come from this Arsenal team!’
"I can't believe it - 18 years since we last won it. Our coaching staff, it's been a hard two weeks getting the game plan together but the players absolutely nailed it today.
"We had the better chances in the first half, Barcelona came out stronger and took it up a notch. But what a squad this is!
"The nerves were awful! I didn't play the final in 2007 as I was suspended, but I had the same feelings back then! Sweaty palms, dry mouth but this team is amazing. More to come from them next year!
What's changed since Eidevall? "Just communication with the players from Renee, the relationship. She's been really honest with them!
"We knew what we had to do. Barcelona are an amazing team, we respect them, but we really believed we could win if we were all on our A-game, and we were!
On getting Russo, Blackstenius on form: "We did a lot of individual stuff, finishing across the goal, left foot, right foot stuff. It paid off because we've just won the Champions League!
"I'm sure the Emirates is rocking! I can't wait to party with the players tonight, get back on the plane and I don't know what's happening tomorrow!"
Arsenal’s impressive defensive record
Before facing Arsenal, Barcelona had scored nineteen goals over their previous three matches and had kept clean sheets in their last four games.
The match against Arsenal was the first time in forty-one games that Barcelona failed to score.
Additionally, in their last eleven matches across all competitions, Barcelona had consistently scored at least two goals per game.
Arsenal will celebrate at the Emirates on Monday
Now it's Barcelona's turn to salute Arsenal with a guard of honour as the team heads to the podium to receive their winners' medals and most importantly lift the Champions League trophy.
Arsenal will hold a celebration in Armoury Square, outside Emirates Stadium, on Monday May 26. The public celebration will run from 11.30am to 12.15pm.
Arsenal are the UEFA Women's Champions League winners for 2025 🏆
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 24, 2025
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/okkDgfS5AH
Barcelona collect their medals
Barcelona make their way through Arsenal’s guard of honour to receive their runners-up medals from UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.
It’s an unfamiliar position for them and the players look stunned - though there are still handshakes, hugs and high fives exchanged among the squad.
Arsenal's Leah Williamson to DAZN: ‘We made a lot of people happy today’
"I don't have the words. I joined this football club and they were winners, they won everything and all I wanted to do was represent the badge in the same way and today we went another big step towards that.
"We play football to make people happy, not to make other people unhappy. Today, we made a lot of people happy."
Arsenal's Katie McCabe to DAZN: ‘We stuck together’
"It's an unbelievable feeling... we suffered today. Barcelona are an unbelievable team, but we stuck together, grinded it out and Stina got that moment and put it away."
Arsenal captain Kim Little to DAZN: ‘This club is incredible’
"I'm so proud of the girls. I'm so glad we've done this together.
"We came out today and did exactly what we wanted to do and executed it well. I'm so incredibly proud of this team and this club.
"This club is incredible. To be a part of it for so long is so special for me and to be here with the team tonight and lift the trophy with Leah is the highlight of my career."
Arsenal goal scorer Stina Blackstenius to DAZN: ‘The team made it possible for me’
"I'm so happy with that the goal, but this is a team performance. We have done it from the start and I'm so proud of everyone. They made it possible for me.
"It will take a moment to be like 'we actually won'. It's such a big moment and it hasn't sunk in yet."
Barcelona players in tears after final defeat
Saturday 24 May 2025 19:12 , Jamie BraidwoodUntil they fell behind, Barcelona were playing the second half of the Champions League final as if they were invincible. They looked so good, and the goal felt inevitable.
Now, stunned by Stina Blackstenius, the Barcelona players are in a state of shock. They did not see defeat coming after winning the last two. There were players in tears at full-time.
Arsenal forward Alessia Russo speaking after the game to TNT: ‘We believed from day one’
"We worked so hard. It feels amazing.
"We had to suffer a lot, There are a top side. We had to be content and happy with not having the ball, knowing our moment would come.
"When our game-changers came on, our squad wanted it so badly.
"It feel surreal. We knew we could, we believed since our journey started. It was just about doing and doing it and we did."
Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey to DAZN: ‘we made it’
"I can't believe it. Barca are an amazing team and we knew it was going to be hard. We suffered and we made it.
"We would have liked to have more of the ball. It's hard to defend all the time, but it was the game we had to play.
"We were mentally focused on that and it was perfect because we won."
On playing against her former side, Barcelona: "Really weird. A lot of emotions before and during the game, but now I'm playing for Arsenal and now I give everything to them."
Arsenal win the Women's Champions League
Saturday 24 May 2025 19:02 , Luke BakerAn incredible result in Lisbon as Arsenal become European champions
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 1-0 Barcelona
Arsenal have stunned the European giants to claim the Champions League title for the second time, 18 years after their first triumph. Stina Blackstenius secures her place in the history books.
Arsenal 1-0 Barcelona
95 mins: Arsenal clear the corner and Caldentey drives the counter-attack. Facing her former team she keeps control, slows the play and earns a vital foul. Her experience shines through, just what Arsenal needed.
Arsenal1-0 Barcelona
94 mins: Barcelona are launching one final assault, but once again Leah Williamson is perfectly positioned to clear a cross for a corner. The referee steps in to control some tussling in the box. The corner delivery is weak and after Barcelona head it down Blackstenius clears with power.
Barcelona lose possession with a poor pass into the box but quickly regain pressure and earn another corner.
Arsenal 1-0 Barcelona
92 mins: Arsenal are closing ranks now. Wubben-Moy comes on for Russo shifting to a back five. Blackstenius is flagged offside after a neat reverse pass from Mead.
Arsenal 1-0 Barcelona
90 mins: Arsenal are breaking up the rhythm with regular stoppages managing the game smartly. Blackstenius causes more problems in behind but lifts her shot over. Seven minutes of added time to come. Mead draws another foul - more valuable seconds tick away.
Arsenal 1-0 Barcelona
88 mins: Williamson rises to clear yet another cross as Barcelona press forward. Arsenal are winning those key first contacts in the box forcing their opponents to rely on aerial deliveries - a testament to the visitors' defensive discipline.
A collision between Paralluelo and Mead halts play earning the Barcelona forward a yellow card along with a booking for a staff member on the bench. No malice in the challenge, but Mead stays down briefly.
Arsenal 1-0 Barcelona
86 mins: Since scoring Arsenal have launched a few promising counter-attacks but haven’t converted them. They must avoid losing possession near their box and risking a counter themselves. McCabe’s solid defending stands out, as Hurtig comes on for the exhausted Foord.
Arsenal 1-0 Barcelona
81 mins: Foord tweaks her ankle but stays on. Williamson makes a key clearance against Bonmati’s dangerous cross who then sends another out for a goal kick.
Arsenal now focus on managing the game having withstood pressure and created the crucial goal. They must hold strong as Bonmati’s shot deflects wide.
Arsenal 1-0 Barcelona
78 mins: Arsenal are just over 12 minutes away from winning their second Women’s Champions League title, but with Barcelona pressing hard those final moments will feel like a lifetime. Barca has to go big. Brugts and Engen are on.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Barcelona (Blackstenius, 75)
Arsenal kept possession from a corner with Caldentey passing to Mead. Mead’s clever reverse pass caught Barcelona off guard, setting up Blackstenius, who calmly scored. The substitutes combined brilliantly just eight minutes after coming on.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
72 mins: Huge save! Blackstenius makes an immediate impact with her direct approach challenging Cata Coll and forcing an impressive low save. Barcelona quickly respond as Putellas pushes forward and Pajor narrowly heads over. The match is opening up.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
70 mins: Key clearance by Catley stops Pajor from an easy finish. Little also blocks Hansen’s shot from the edge of the box. Arsenal’s defence has been strong, but the Lisbon heat might take its toll.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
68 mins: Arsenal bring on Blackstenius and Mead for Kelly and Maanum. Blackstenius adds pace and power, giving Slegers two strikers on the field.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
65 mins: Batlle’s long-range shot bounces tricky, but Van Domselaar saves on the second attempt.
Arsenal push back with McCabe’s run into the box, but no penalty after a tight tackle. Kelly gets booked for an off-the-ball shove on Putellas.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
61 mins: Foord is putting in a huge effort to mark opposing players, showing real selflessness as she pushes herself to cover ground she’d rather avoid.
Meanwhile the benches are starting to stir, but before any changes - Bonmati forces a strong save from Van Domselaar. Batlle shoots just over the bar again. First Barcelona sub: Pina comes off, Salma Paralluelo comes on.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
58 mins: Barcelona’s bench reacts as a throw-in goes to Arsenal. Williamson intercepts Putellas’ pass and blocks Pina’s shot. Little also picks off a cut-back, but Arsenal’s defence is under heavy pressure.
Arsenal hold the ball briefly, though Williamson’s cross is off target. Putellas is causing trouble, but Williamson is standing firm with key challenges.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
55 mins: Bonmati and Putellas are starting to dictate play a concern for Arsenal given their ability to operate in tight spaces. Guijarro fires just wide from distance adding to the pressure. But once again, Fox steps in with a crucial interception giving Arsenal a brief moment to regroup.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
52 mins: Foord recycles possession after a free-kick is cleared, but her persistence ends in a foul. Moments later, Fox shows great awareness at the edge of the box stepping in smartly to break up Barcelona’s attack.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
49 mins: Chance! Crossbar! Pina’s deflected effort crashes off the woodwork. Arsenal breathe a sigh of relief. Barcelona had broken through on the left with some sharp passing and Van Domselaar was caught out, but the Gunners escape.
Just moments earlier Russo was awarded a foul near halfway halting what Barcelona believed was a promising counter. At the other end, Paredes picks up a yellow for a challenge.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
47 mins: Arsenal apply early pressure to Barcelona’s build-up, but the holders work their way through it. Graham Hansen swings in a cross that Fox nods behind for a corner.
Pina then tests her luck from range after a short routine, but it’s a comfortable stop for Van Domselaar.
Kick-off! Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
Arsenal get us back underway, scoreless so far in Lisbon.
No half-time changes. Barcelona's stars including Putellas, have been quiet so far, a big plus for Arsenal. But with over twice as many accurate passes as the Gunners, Barça’s control could become dangerous. Arsenal must keep breaking their rhythm.
Fara Williams speaking on TNT:
“Arsenal had a rocky start to the game but they’ve started to grow in confidence. You can start to see their self-belief within the team.
“You’re literally begging on the sidelines for one of these to go in and Kim Little with probably the best chance of all puts it over the bar.
“It’s coming for Arsenal. You can see the belief growing more and more as the game has gone on.”
HALF TIME! Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
Saturday 24 May 2025 17:58 , Jamie braidwoodA fascinating half in Lisbon. After a shaky start, Arsenal have grown into the final - showing the resilience to keep Barcelona at bay and even cause a few problems.
It was 0-0 at half time in last year’s final and Barcelona did not take the lead until late on when they defeated Lyon. They have that experience to know they can stay patient.
HT Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
45 mins: Arsenal’s intensity may be fading after a tireless first half. The heat favours Barcelona who are starting to take control. The Gunners are holding firm but their earlier momentum has waned.
Barcelona have seen more of the ball, but both sides have managed just one effort on target.
Arsenal have had the better chances in a solid first half with Williamson superb at the back. Barcelona haven’t hit top gear yet, but a big second half is likely.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
43 mins: Kim Little does well to track a midfield run showing Arsenal’s defensive focus. Barcelona fans appeal for handball after Graham Hansen’s effort but play continues. Arsenal then enjoy a rare spell of possession in midfield.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
41 mins: Van Domselaar isn’t punching crosses far but is managing them well. Arsenal took a moment to rehydrate before a corner, with Fox blocking a pass to Pina.
Putellas tries to break through but Foord, McCabe, and Catley have kept close, limiting her impact.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
38 mins: Williamson briefly lost the ball but made a key tackle on Pina in the box to clear danger. Graham Hansen’s run was blocked by Arsenal’s defense and McCabe forced a corner with a tough block.
Leah Williamson also intercepted Pajor’s poor pass, preventing a shot. Mistakes like that can be costly against Barcelona.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
33 mins: Putellas earns a corner after a challenge from Foord, who lets out a roar of determination after sprinting the length of the pitch to make that crucial block. Arsenal are handling the big stage and tough opposition with calm confidence. Aside from one tense moment in their penalty area they’ve kept errors to a minimum.
Barcelona responded well creating space for left-back Rolfo who found plenty of room on the flank. But Foord stayed alert and made a solid block to stop her low cross.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
30 mins: Kelly is causing havoc cutting in dangerously from the wing and Barcelona are struggling to keep track of her runs. Catley finds her and her cross is quickly met by Arsenal players before the defence clears the danger.
At the other end Bonmatí quickly reminds Arsenal of her threat. After swapping flanks with Foord, Kelly was set free down the left through some slick passing.
She delivered a low ball behind Barcelona’s defence, but Foord couldn’t connect with a shot. Bonmatí then charged toward the Arsenal box but fired straight at Van Domselaar.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
27 mins: Chance! Maanum fires a powerful shot only to be denied by an outstanding save. Both players were superb in that moment.
After Maanum’s long-range effort, Coll had to scramble back to make a top-class stop. From the corner, Little lashes her shot just over the bar.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
25 minutes: Arsenal have looked strong and created more chances than Barcelona so far. They just need to capitalise because Barcelona won’t stay off their game for long.
NO GOAL! Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
Saturday 24 May 2025 17:24 , Jamie BraidwoodThat was well offside and Barcelona knew it immediately. There appeared to be some tension in the goalmouth as Aitana Bonmati tried to grab the ball back from Chloe Kelly. Relief for Irene Parades.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Barcelona (Paredes, 21)
Arsenal take the lead! Paredes redirects Kelly’s cross into her own net.
VAR is reviewing the decision.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
20 minutes: Arsenal will be relieved to have kept a clean sheet through the first 20 minutes, a crucial period for them.
Meanwhile, Steph Catley has already made four clearances in the first 20 minutes - double the next closest player.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
Saturday 24 May 2025 17:18 , Jamie Braidwood16 mins: Both teams are looking shaky in defence. Arsenal had conceded 12 goals in their last three games before the final, and there is not much assuredness there when it comes to dealing with the danger.
Arsenal, though, are looking much more confident in midfield. The gaps in the Barcelona defence appear to be defending the back post, which has brought chances for Foord and Kelly, who have switched sides.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
14 minutes: Chance! Kelly kicks it over the bar.
Foord connects with Kelly at the far post, who takes a first-time strike, a rather tough finish to pull off.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
12 minutes: Chance! Bonmatí cuts inside and shoots, effortlessly finding space that’s tough to track.
Arsenal quickly fall back to shut her down.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
11 minutes: First real nerves are starting to show, but Williamson steps up with two crucial clearances.
Barcelona beginning to find a bit more rhythm.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
9 minutes: Chance! Pina goes down under Kelly’s challenge, but play continues.
Pajor heads just wide, a real let-off for Arsenal after a chaotic spell.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
6 minutes: Arsenal have edged the early attacking moments - limited, but encouraging.
Barcelona haven’t come out flying and the Gunners have stood firm at the back.
Now it’s about keeping that up for the next 85 minutes.
Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
3 minutes: Arsenal start on the front foot.
Foord presses high to win possession but her pass doesn’t find a teammate. A lively, determined opening.
Fox tries to spark something down the far flank, but Arsenal's movement isn’t helping - runners pulling away.
She manages to earn a throw-in. Maanum and Caldentey need to drop in and help steady things for the visitors. It’s a great start for Arsenal, who seem to be upsetting Barcelona’s Rhythm.
Kick-Off! Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona
And we're underway.
What can Arsenal deliver on the biggest stage?
Russo’s standout season
Alessia Russo has been in top form this campaign, netting 12 goals in the Women’s Super League and adding another eight in European competition.
She’ll be a crucial figure if Arsenal are to make any sort of impact today in Lisbon.
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How to watch Women's Champions League final
Saturday 24 May 2025 16:58 , Jamie BraidwoodThe final is being shown live on streaming platform DAZN in the UK, where you can watch all the action for FREE.
It will also be shown live on TNT Sports 1 and on Discovery+, where a live stream will be available for TNT Sports customers.
Goal-scoring prowess
Barcelona lead the scoring charts in the 2024/25 UEFA Women’s Champions League with 44 goals, just one shy of Wolfsburg’s record for a single season set in 2013/14.
Clàudia Pina, the competition’s top scorer this season, is one goal short of equalling Alexia Putellas’ record of 11 goals in a single campaign, set in 2021/22.
Barcelona’s bid for history
A victory in Lisbon would make them just the third club to win four or more titles, joining the elite company of Lyon (eight) and Frankfurt (four).
They are the only club to have won both the men's and women's Champions League, underlining their unique status in European football.
Additionally, Barcelona remain the only Spanish team to have won or even reached the Women’s Champions League final.
The Blaugrana are also chasing their first-ever streak of ten consecutive wins in a single Champions League campaign, underscoring their current form and ambition.
Arsenal making history
Arsenal made history this season by becoming the first team to win three knockout ties after losing the first leg - overcoming Häcken, Real Madrid, and Lyon.
They are also the first team to reach the final under the current competition format starting from round 1, highlighting their remarkable resilience and consistency throughout the campaign.
Adding to their strength, Mariona Caldentey brings invaluable experience to the squad, having played in five Women’s Champions League finals with Barcelona before joining Arsenal in summer 2024.
Record-breaking campaign
By reaching the final from round 1, Arsenal will play a record 15 matches in a single season, surpassing Lyon’s previous best of 13 matches in 2021/22.
This will be Arsenal’s first-ever European game held in Portugal, adding a new chapter to their continental history.
Arsenal’s Champions League milestones
This final marks Arsenal’s 125th Women’s Champions League match, a testament to their long-standing presence at the top of European women’s football.
Only Lyon have played more games with 152 appearances.
Arsenal’s impressive record includes 73 wins and 341 goals scored, both figures surpassed only by Lyon.
This rich history highlights Arsenal’s consistency and pedigree on the continental stage making them one of the most successful and experienced clubs in the competition’s history.
Home atmosphere for Barcelona
Saturday 24 May 2025 16:20 , Jamie BraidwoodAll day, wherever I’ve been in Lisbon I’ve seen Arsenal shirts. There’s an impressive travelling support here, but the Arsenal fans are outnumbered in the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
As Irene Parades and Alexia Putellas leads out the defending champions, the stadium erupts. Barcelona have once again produced a home atmosphere for a Champions League final.
Turns out, it’s Barcelona who are everywhere.
Barcelona’s continued dominance
Barcelona have a strong record against English clubs with nine wins, two draws, and six losses, scoring 32 goals and conceding 18.
This season, Arsenal are the third English team they’ve faced, following a semi-final victory over Chelsea.
Barcelona began the group stage with a 0-2 loss at Manchester City but bounced back with a 3-0 home win in their return fixture.
Their only setback in the last five games against English sides was that initial defeat, winning the other four.
Clàudia Pina leads the charge with ten goals this season making her the competition’s top scorer by a clear margin.
Barcelona reached their sixth final in style, overpowering Chelsea 8-2 on aggregate with Pina scoring multiple goals alongside key contributions from Ewa Pajor, Irene Paredes, Aitana Bonmatí, and Salma Paralluelo.
The team has now made the semi-finals seven seasons in a row, a record in the competition following a dominant 10-2 aggregate win over Wolfsburg in the quarters.
This season Barcelona’s only group stage loss was against Manchester City, but they comfortably defeated Hammarby and St. Pölten in both legs.
Having won the last three Champions League titles including a 2-0 win over Lyon last season, Barcelona continue their reign at the top of European women’s football.
Domestically they clinched their record-extending tenth Liga F title and two other trophies this year underscoring their unmatched dominance.
Uefa hoping for better entertainment in Women's Champions League final
Saturday 24 May 2025 16:10 , Jamie BraidwoodUefa president Aleksander Ceferin will be at the Women’s Champions League final between Arsenal and Barcelona and will be hoping for better entertainment than he saw on Wednesday night, when Tottenham and Manchester United played out a dismal Europa League final in Bilbao.
This should certainly be easier on the eye, with Barcelona and Arsenal known for wanting to play the right way. Neither team is languishing near the bottom of their domestic league, either. Barcelona appear to be carrying the more vocal support in the stadium.
Barcelona team news as Pina starts over Paralluelo
Saturday 24 May 2025 16:01 , Jamie BraidwoodBarcelona’s spine has been familiar for many years, as is built around the key partnerships and experience of Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas and Patri Guijarro in midfield and Mapi Leon and Irene Paredes in defence. Spain’s No 1 Cata Coll and right back Ona Batlle continue the Spanish spine of the team.
Sweden’s Fridolina Rolfo brings a versatile threat from left back while Norway’s Caroline Graham Hansen is arguably the world’s best winger on the right. Up front, Barcelona have this season added the goals of Poland striker Ewa Pajor after her arrival from Wolfsburg.
Claudia Pina has ten goals in the Champions League this season, including three in the semi-final victory over Chelsea. She starts over Spain team-mate Salma Paralluelo on the left wing.
Barcelona Xi: Coll; Batlle, Paredes, Leon, Rolfo; Guijarro, Bonmati, Putellas; Graham Hansen, Pajor, Pina
Subs: Gemma , Roebuck, Jana, Paralluelo, Marta, Vicky, Engen, Brugts, Caño, Schertenleib, Serrajordi, Judit
Arsenal’s strong form and Spanish rivalry
Arsenal enter the final with a solid record against Spanish teams: six wins, two draws, and four losses, scoring 25 goals and conceding 18.
This season, they overcame a 0-2 first-leg defeat to Real Madrid in the quarter-finals by winning 3-0 at home, ending a three-game losing streak against Spanish opposition.
Prior to this, Arsenal hadn’t faced Spanish teams since their 2021/22 group stage losses to Barcelona, but historically they’ve done well against Spanish clubs, winning all four previous knockout ties including a memorable 7-0 aggregate win over Barcelona in 2012/13.
Key players Alessia Russo and former Barcelona star Mariona Caldentey have been crucial for Arsenal each netting eight goals this campaign.
Caldentey scored in both legs against Lyon in the semi-finals helping Arsenal reach the last four for the eighth time.
Russo and Caitlin Foord also contributed in the comeback win in France. Arsenal are making their 17th appearance in the Women’s Champions League, finishing top of a tough Group C this season and placing second in the Women’s Super League behind Chelsea.
After a coaching change in October, Renée Slegers has guided the team to this final building on the club’s strong European pedigree as the only English side to have reached two Champions League finals.
Arsenal team news as Van Domselaar and Kelly start
Saturday 24 May 2025 15:58 , Jamie BraidwoodArsenal line up exactly how they did in the 4-1 win at Lyon in the semi-final second leg, with Daphne van Domselaar fit to start in goal and replacing Manuela Zinsberger. Leah Williamson leads the defence and Steph Catley has emerged as her centre-back partner this season, with Emily Fox and Katie McCabe at full-back.
Mariona Caldentey has been influential from a deeper midfield position alongside captain Kim Little, with Frida Maanum allowed to roam further forward. On the wings, Arsenal carry pace and danger in Chloe Kelly and Caitlin Foord, while striker Alessia Russo has seven Champions League goals this season, level with Caldentey.
On the bench, Beth Mead and Stina Blackstenius are options to change the game late on, while Arsenal could also turn to Lia Walti and Victoria Pelova in midfield. Lotte Wubben-Moy and Laia Condina could be required to see the game out late on.
Arsenal XI: Van Domselaar; Fox, Williamson, Catley, McCabe; Little, Caldentey; Kelly, Maanum, Foord; Russo
Subs: Zinsberger, Williams, Wubben-Moy, Laia Codina, Mead, Wälti, Hurtig, Pelova, Nighswonger, Blackstenius, Ilestedt, Cooney-Cross
Arsenal’s comeback seals final spot
Arsenal, the only English team to have won the competition, earned their place in Lisbon with a remarkable comeback against Lyon.
After losing the first leg 1-2 at home, they bounced back with a 4-1 victory in France to secure a 5-3 aggregate win.
This final marks the fifth meeting between Arsenal and Barcelona, with both teams having won twice in their previous four encounters and scoring eight goals each, though Barcelona has dominated the most recent clashes.
Women's Champions League: Confirmed line-ups
Saturday 24 May 2025 15:50 , Jamie BraidwoodArsenal XI: Van Domselaar; Fox, Williamson, Catley, McCabe; Little, Caldentey; Kelly, Maanum, Foord; Russo
Barcelona Xi: Coll; Batlle, Paredes, Leon, Rolfo; Guijarro, Bonmati, Putellas; Graham Hansen, Pajor, Pina
The line-ups are in. No surprises for either team. Daphne van Domselaar is fit to start in go for Arsenal and Barcelona go with Claudia Pina over Salma Paralluelo on left wing.
Barcelona aim for third straight title
The Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon is the stage for the 2024/25 UEFA Women’s Champions League final, where holders Barcelona will seek a third consecutive crown against Arsenal the 2007 champions.
Having won three of the last four tournaments, Barcelona reached their fifth straight final - matching Lyon’s record, after an impressive 8-2 aggregate win over Chelsea, defeating them 4-1 at home and away in the semi-finals for the third year running.
Aitana Bonmati reveals Barcelona’s feelings about favourites tag: ‘mindset to win’
“We've had a great season, so we're the team to beat. For us, it's a privilege, not a pressure. We are used to this and always have the mindset to win.
“One of the best qualities of our team is that we have the same ambition as the first day. This is not easy because if you are winning a lot, maybe you can relax, but this is not the case with our team.
"I think the experience we have now or I have now is even more than when I played the third final of the Champions League, it was the first time against Lyon – the team to beat.
"Now we are we maybe the team to beat, we have the experience. In these kinds of matches, experience is important because you have lived these kinds of scenarios in other times. This is one thing we have in our team.
"These emotions are difficult to put into words because we are born to play these matches and enjoy it with our crowd and our people here.
"I remember every single Champions League we play as unique moments I'll remember forever."
Arsenal team arrives
Saturday 24 May 2025 15:23 , Jamie BraidwoodArsenal have arrived at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, with just over 90 minutes to go until kick-off in Lisbon.
The Gunners were happy with the 5pm kick-off team, relieving them of the anxious wait that comes with a later kick-off.
Confirmed team news and line-ups will be arriving in the next half hour or so.
Chloe Kelly is the first Arsenal player to walk out onto the pitch - to a few whistles from the Barca fans already.
Barcelona sense Arsenal's resilience
Saturday 24 May 2025 15:20 , Jamie BraidwoodBarcelona are wary of Arsenal’s route to the Women’s Champions League final and the strength they have shown to overturn first-leg defeats in the quarter-finals and semi-finals.
The Spanish side are favourites but have been telling themselves that they cannot afford to relax if they make a typically fast start. Barcelona famously scored four first-half goals in the 2021 final against Chelsea and they want to be ruthless again this evening.
Atmosphere building in Lisbon
Saturday 24 May 2025 14:40 , Jamie BraidwoodArsenal and Barcelona is not just a great final in terms of two teams who want to play good football, but it also brings Europe’s two biggest fanbases when it comes to the women’s game together in Lisbon.
Barcelona swarmed Bilbao when they reached last year’s final against Lyon but there is more of an even split this time with plenty of Arsenal fans making the trip over.
For now, the Arsenal fans have gathered around the vibrant bars of Pink Street, while Barcelona have themselves a fan zone in the Praça do Comércio plaza.
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Where to tune in for Arsenal vs Barcelona
With the title on the line in a much-anticipated showdown between two of Europe’s best, here’s how you can watch it live:
TV channel: Viewers in the UK can catch all the action live on TNT Sports 1 with coverage starting from 4pm.
Live stream: Subscribers to TNT Sports can also stream the match live via the Discovery+ app or website.
Additionally, the game will be available to stream for free on DAZN’s Women’s Football YouTube channel, no subscription required.
Live blog: Be sure to follow every moment as it happens with The Independent’s live match blog, bringing you real-time updates, analysis and reaction.
Highlights: Thanks to our partnership with DAZN, you’ll also be able to watch free highlights on the DAZN Women’s Football YouTube channel shortly after the final whistle.
Aitana Bonmati: 'Now we are the team to beat'
Saturday 24 May 2025 13:40 , Jamie BraidwoodBarcelona’s Aitana Bonmati, the Ballon d'Or winner in 2023 and 2024, said the experience gained from previous finals was invaluable.
The Spanish side have been through tough defeats, particularly when Lyon were winning the Champions League eight times between 2011 and 2022.
Barcelona had yet to beat Lyon when they met last year in the Champions League final, but they overcame them to become the dominant force.
"I've learned a lot of things. It is the path that has fallen to us. The first final in Budapest was an inexperienced team that was going to see what happened. Now we are the team to beat," she said.
"Knowing how to be, knowing how to suffer is very important. And never giving up. We have had finals where we have come back. We have had games of all colours.”
'Arsenal in the final for a reason'
Saturday 24 May 2025 13:20 , Jamie BraidwoodAlthough Barcelona are strong favourites to hoist the women's Champions League trophy on Saturday for the fourth time in five years, they will be taking nothing for granted.
Barcelona play Arsenal at Lisbon's Estadio Jose Alvalade and while the London side were the 2007 champions and once regulars in the competition's latter stages, the pendulum has now swung heavily in the Spanish side's favour.
Barcelona players have made 48 collective appearances in Champions League finals, while Mariona Caldentey is their only Arsenal player to have featured in the final, playing in five for Barcelona between 2019-24.
"A final is unpredictable. There may be things you can't control," Barca midfielder Alexia Putellas told reporters. "We know we can do it. It is true that Arsenal are a great team and that they are in the final for a reason."
How Mariona Caldentey elevated Arsenal on road to Champions League final
Saturday 24 May 2025 13:00 , Jamie BraidwoodWhen Arsenal approached Mariona Caldentey in the summer of 2024, it was with occasions like Saturday’s Women’s Champions League final in mind. A three-time European champion with Barcelona, and a World Cup winner with Spain, the midfielder was seen as a figure with the talent, work ethic, charisma and trophy cabinet to help Arsenal to the next level.
Her final game for Barcelona came in Bilbao, as they defeated Lyon to retain the Champions League. A year on, the last game of her first season at Arsenal will culminate in another Champions League final, this time against her former side.
Just as Arsenal hoped, Caldentey has been pivotal to their run to their first Women’s Champions League final since 2007.
How Mariona Caldentey elevated Arsenal on road to Champions League final
'We were the best team in the world'
Saturday 24 May 2025 12:40 , Jamie BraidwoodAlthough the landscape of women’s football has developed significantly, the significance of the 2007 triumph still runs through Arsenal now. Leah Williamson, part of the club’s academy since the age of nine, was a mascot and walked out alongside the team before they became European champions. Little first joined Arsenal in 2008, so has spent her entire career chasing the goal of appearing in another European final. Kelly Smith, the legendary Arsenal and England striker, is part of the current coaching staff.
Jayne Ludlow captained Arsenal in 2007 and explains how they were “programmed to win”. Success was not just demanded but expected. “I’m proud to say that the club has always supported the women’s team extremely well,” Ludlow says. “The success in 2007 was recognition of this investment and support, but, in all honesty, was [just] another trophy for us. The win reinforced what we believed: that we were the best in the world.”
‘It can start the cycle over’: Arsenal’s Champions League inspiration is their own past
Saturday 24 May 2025 12:20 , Jamie BraidwoodWhen Kim Little leads Arsenal out onto the pitch at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon, the first step they will have to face is believing they belong there. On the other side, Barcelona by now expect to be appearing in Women’s Champions League finals, as the all-conquering Spanish team target a third European title in a row and a fourth in five seasons.
Arsenal can’t afford to think too much about their opposition. Barcelona are the best team in the world and progressed to the final by demolishing Chelsea, the best in England, 8-2 on aggregate in the semi-finals. That Chelsea finished 12 points ahead of the Gunners in this season’s Women’s Super League, but were so comfortably dismissed by Barcelona in Europe, underlines the scale of Arsenal’s task on Saturday evening.
The Arsenal fans travelling out to the Portuguese capital for the club’s first Women’s Champions League final in 18 years have something else to remember, though. They are the last, and remain the only, English club to win the competition.
Arsenal’s inspiration is their own past: ‘It can start the cycle over’
'I feel like this is where we want to be'
Saturday 24 May 2025 12:00 , Jamie BraidwoodArsenal’s squad were this week visited by some of the members of the 2007 team that won the Uefa Women’s Cup and Alessia Russo said the club was back where they belong after reaching their first Champions League final for 18 years.
“I think any player who plays for Arsenal understands that it’s a winning club,” Russo said. “It’s a club that wants to be ambitious and competing with the best. I feel like this is where we want to be.
“We’ll keep pushing as a group, and we’re very away of what came before us as well. Kim has played for the club for so long and she deserves to be here.
“We also had lunch with some of the 2007 winners, to understand how much it means to them. How much they still feel part of the club is special for the current players.”
Arsenal's resilient path to Champions League final
Saturday 24 May 2025 11:40 , Jamie BraidwoodArsenal’s journey to Lisbon started in the qualifying rounds and they have become the first team to reach the final after overturning a first-leg defeat in three rounds of the tournament.
The Gunners came from behind to beat eight-time winners Lyon in the semi-finals also overturned first-leg defeats to progress past Real Madrid in the quarters and Hacken in the second round of qualifying back in September.
“The connection and belief we have in each other, that we know when we are not at our top level that we can get there and pull ourselves into that, I think that’s the mark of any great team,” said Arsenal’s captain Kim Little.
“You can’t play at the top of your game every second but what makes us a great team is those moments where we haven’t been, we can take ourselves out of those moments quite quickly, within games as well. That’s a really good trait to have and we have shown that on many occasions.”
Arsenal ‘here to win’ Women’s Champions League after rollercoaster road to final
Saturday 24 May 2025 11:20 , Jamie BraidwoodArsenal will need “courage” if they are to beat holders Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League final but head coach Renee Slegers believes their rollercoaster journey to Lisbon shows they have the resilience required to pull off the upset.
On Saturday evening Arsenal will play in their first Champions League final since winning the Uefa Women’s Cup in 2007 - where they become the first, and so far only, English team to become European champions.
They will face a strong Barcelona side who are appearing in their fifth final in a row and will be aiming to win a hat-trick of titles in a row after demolishing English champions Chelsea in the semi-finals.
“We want to show courage tomorrow,” Slegers said. “We respect Barcelona as a team, they are very good football team. We are humble, but at the same time we are here to win.
“We have to find ways to win, but I am confident the game will shift in momentum. For us, it’s important we deal with all moments really well.
“We need courage, we need discipline, we need to be switched on, we need to make the right decisions. We believe in our capacity to perform tomorrow.”
What is the Barcelona team news?
Saturday 24 May 2025 11:10 , Jamie BraidwoodBarcelona’s spine has been familiar for many years, as is built around the key partnerships and experience of Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas and Patri Guijarro in midfield and Mapi Leon and Irene Paredes in defence. Spain’s No 1 Cata Coll and right back Ona Batlle continue the Spanish spine of the team.
Sweden’s Fridolina Rolfo brings a versatile threat from left back while Norway’s Caroline Graham Hansen is arguably the world’s best winger on the right. Up front, Barcelona have this season added the goals of Poland striker Ewa Pajor after her arrival from Wolfsburg.
Claudia Pina has ten goals in the Champions League this season, including three in the semi-final victory over Chelsea. Whether she starts over Spain team-mate Salma Paralluelo on the left wing is likely to be the only big team selection Pere Romeu has to make.
Women's Champions League final start time and how to watch
Saturday 24 May 2025 11:02 , Jamie BraidwoodKick-off in Lisbon is at 5pm BST (UK time ) on Saturday 24 May. The final will be staged at the Estádio José Alvalade, the home of Sporting Lisbon.
It will be shown live on TNT Sports 1 and on Discovery+, where a live stream will be available for TNT Sports customers.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
