Karen Carney says Arsenal need 'something magical' to beat Barcelona

Posted : 28 April 2025

Karen Carney had high praise for Arsenal after their remarkable victory over Lyon, which secured their place in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final for the first time in 18 years. Arsenal overturned a 1-0 deficit from the first leg to win 4-1 in the second leg, progressing with a 5-3 aggregate score. The Gunners will now face Barcelona in the final, and Carney was impressed not only by the result but also by the manner in which Arsenal performed.

This marks Arsenal's first appearance in the UEFA Women's Champions League final since their 2007 triumph, which remains their last European title. They had not made it past the early rounds in recent seasons, with last year’s elimination in the first round adding to the weight of their achievement. Their dramatic win over Lyon in the semifinals has re-established them as a force in European football. The final will take place at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon on May 24.

Barcelona, the reigning champions, will pose a significant challenge for Arsenal, as they triumphed 4-1 in both legs of their semi-final against Chelsea. Carney acknowledged the formidable nature of Barcelona, calling them an exceptional team that has consistently delivered in European competitions. Despite Barcelona's dominance, Carney believes Arsenal can win the trophy, even though Barcelona will be the favorites.

Carney described Arsenal as the underdogs in the final but expressed confidence in their ability to compete, especially with their current form. "Arsenal are the underdogs, but they will be relishing the challenge," Carney said. "It’s going to take something magical from them to pull it off, but if they believe in themselves, why not?" She emphasized that the performance against Lyon was classy and controlled, highlighting the managerial work and leadership that has been a revelation for the team.

The task at hand will not be easy for Arsenal, as they will face a Barcelona team that has proven to be dominant. Chelsea’s defeat to Barcelona showed just how large the gap is between the two teams, with Barcelona’s 4-1 wins in both legs reflecting their superiority. Carney also noted Chelsea's struggles in defense, which made Barcelona's victories even more impressive. She believes Barcelona’s current team is among the best in the world.

One player who stood out in Arsenal's win was Kim Little, who was named player of the match for her excellent performance in midfield. Carney praised Little’s ability to control the game, her composure under pressure, and her leadership on the pitch. Carney also highlighted Little's emotional reaction at the final whistle, noting how rare it was to see such raw emotion from the experienced player. "She’s a classy player and person," Carney said, admiring Little's consistent excellence.

Carney’s comments reflect the growing belief that Arsenal can compete with the best in Europe once again. The club’s resurgence has been marked by a strong team ethic and excellent individual performances, led by figures like Little. With the final against Barcelona on the horizon, Arsenal will need to summon all their qualities if they are to lift their first Women’s Champions League title since 2007.

Karen Carney says Arsenal need 'something magical' to beat Barcelona

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