Arsenal Women end Barcelona's Champions League dominance with historic European win

Arsenal have become the first English club since 2007 to win the UEFA Women's Champions League - edging out three-time winners Barcelona with a dramatic 1-0 victory.

Renee Slegers' side enjoyed a remarkable journey to Saturday night's final held in Lisbon, having knocked out the likes of Real Madrid and Lyon along the way. Despite entering the match as underdogs against a Barcelona side with growing European dominance, the Gunners pulled off one of the biggest upsets the women's game has seen.

Substitute Stina Blackstenius scored a decisive goal with 15 minutes remaining, linking up with fellow substitute Beth Mead before slotting past Barcelona goalkeeper Cata Coll - sending the Gunners into dreamland. Arsenal thought they had taken the lead earlier in the first half when Frida Maanum's driven cross was turned into her own net by Irene Paredes, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.

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Arsenal were the first - and remain the only - English side to win the Women's Champions League, having claimed the title in 2007 with a 1-0 aggregate win over Swedish side Umea. Chelsea are the only other English side to reach the final, but they suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Barcelona in 2021.

This season has been anything but straightforward for Arsenal. Former manager Jonas Eidevall stepped down in early October following a poor run of form - including a heavy group-stage defeat to Bayern Munich in this very competition.

Slegers initially took over on an interim basis, but a dramatic turnaround in results ultimately led to her permanent appointment in January. Now, the Dutchwoman has written her name into the history books by guiding Arsenal to their second Champions League crown, and their first in 18 years.

Despite seven minutes of added time, Arsenal held firm under pressure, defending resolutely to see out their slender lead. The nerves among the Arsenal support were palpable Jose Alvalade Stadium, as the clock ticked down, which was followed by pure elation when the final whistle blew.

It was an unusually off-key night for Barcelona, a squad that has become so accustomed to thriving on the biggest stages in recent years. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Lyon and Manchester City midfielder Izzy Christiansen said: "I don't think Barcelona have looked like winners today.

"They have not had that grit and nastiness about them. They lack belief."

Arsenal, by contrast, had what their opponents lacked and it was that conviction which ultimately got them over the line to become champions of Europe, again.