Arsenal Stun Barcelona to Win Women's Champions League After 18-Year Wait

Posted : 25 May 2025

Arsenal captain Kim Little described the club’s UEFA Women’s Champions League victory as the pinnacle of her career, calling it “truly special.” The Gunners secured a historic 1-0 win over defending champions Barcelona in Lisbon, thanks to a decisive goal from substitute Stina Blackstenius. It marks Arsenal’s second European crown, coming 18 years after their first in 2007. Little, who joined the club a year after that triumph, reflected on her long tenure and the growth of the women’s game, emphasizing how significant it was to finally lift the trophy herself.

Manager Renee Slegers, who took over mid-season after Jonas Eidevall’s departure, praised the team’s resilience throughout a challenging campaign that began in the qualifying rounds. Their path to the title included 15 matches, with notable setbacks like a heavy defeat to Bayern Munich. Despite those hurdles, Slegers said the belief in the squad grew stronger each day. She views this victory not as the end, but the beginning of something bigger, expressing excitement about the potential the team still has to offer.

Among the standout players in the final were Kim Little and England’s Leah Williamson, who jointly lifted the trophy. For Williamson, the moment was especially emotional; she had once been a mascot when Arsenal won in 2007 and now, 18 years later, completed her own European journey with the club she’s always loved. Beth Mead also played a crucial role, assisting the winning goal shortly after coming on. Overcome with emotion, Mead dedicated the moment to her late mother, describing the win as a deeply personal and poignant experience.

Reactions to the victory poured in from across the football world. Former Arsenal defender Jen Beattie hailed the underdog triumph as legendary, while ex-midfielder Izzy Christiansen praised the tactical execution against a dominant Barcelona side. Karen Carney, part of the 2007 winning team, reflected on how the current squad could inspire a new generation. Arsenal’s triumph will be marked with a celebration at Armoury Square, with club legend Ian Wright calling it a “magnificent achievement” that brought joy back to the club following a disappointing season for the men’s team.

Arsenal Stun Barcelona to Win Women's Champions League After 18-Year Wait

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