UWCL: Arsenal Women Stun Barcelona to Win UEFA Women's Champions League Title

Arsenal Women pulled off a stunning 1-0 win over Barcelona in the UEFA Women's Champions League final, thanks to Stina Blackstenius' decisive goal.

Arsenal Women stunned the football world with a 1-0 victory over Barcelona in the UEFA Women's Champions League final at the Estádio José Alvalade. Stina Blackstenius scored the decisive goal late in the game, ending Barcelona's hopes of achieving a second consecutive quadruple.

In a shocking turn of events, Arsenal outplayed Barcelona in the first half, despite the Spanish team's heavy favoritism going into their 100th European game. The Gunners' confidence and composure were evident, even as they weathered some nervous moments at the back.

This win marks Arsenal's second Women's Champions League title, with their first triumph dating back to the 2006/07 season. They defeated Swedish outfit Umea 1-0 in the final back then, with Alex Scott scoring the winning goal in the first leg.

CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE. THE ONLY IN THE LAND ❤️ pic.twitter.com/6HELAUEn23

— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) May 24, 2025

Barcelona, who were chasing their third consecutive Champions League title, were thwarted by Arsenal's solid defense and timely goal from Blackstenius. The Swedish striker's effort, set up by Beth Mead's clever reverse pass, proved to be the difference-maker in the match.

Barcelona predictably dominated the early stages, holding 66% possession in the opening 15 minutes. However, despite their control, they struggled to create clear chances, thanks to Arsenal's solid defensive work and timely last-ditch blocks that kept the Catalan side at bay.

Against the run of play, Arsenal nearly took the lead midway through the first half when Frida Maanum's low cross was inadvertently turned into her own net by Irene Paredes. However, the goal was disallowed for offside after Maanum was deemed to have timed her run too early.

The near-miss seemed to spark Arsenal into life, and they began to assert themselves in the game. Maanum continued to be a thorn in Barcelona's side, this time unleashing a long-range shot from 25 yards that Barcelona goalkeeper Cata Coll brilliantly tipped over the bar.

As halftime approached, Barcelona started to shift the momentum in their favor, but they were unable to capitalize on their dominance, heading into the break still goalless.

The Blaugrana came out strong in the second half, signaling their intent early on. Claudia Pina tested Arsenal's goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar with a long-range strike, but the Dutch shot-stopper comfortably gathered the ball, keeping the scoreline intact.

The action continued to heat up as Maanum's teammate Pina had another shot on goal minutes later, which deflected off Emily Fox and hit the crossbar. Barcelona responded with Aitana Bonmati, who skillfully twisted past defenders before unleashing a shot that Arsenal goalkeeper Renee Slegers managed to parry away with a low dive.

Arsenal broke free from Barcelona's pressure and scored the decisive goal in the 74th minute. Substitute Beth Mead delivered a brilliant reverse pass to Stina Blackstenius, who had been on the pitch for less than 10 minutes. Blackstenius expertly drilled her shot into the far corner, securing the winning goal and claiming the UWCL title for Arsenal. This goal marked the difference, and the Gunners celebrated their second-ever UWCL championship.