Three Australian Matildas, Caitlin Foord, Steph Catley, and Kyra Cooney-Cross, celebrated a historic victory as Arsenal triumphed over Barcelona with a 1-0 win in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final held at Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon. Draped in an Australian flag, the trio’s joy was evident after the match.
Barcelona entered the game on an impressive eight-match Champions League win streak, dominating early chances but failing to penetrate Arsenal’s solid defence. Despite creating opportunities, including a header from Foord and a near goal by Frida Maanum, the Gunners found themselves consistently thwarting their opponents.
The game’s deadlock was finally broken in the 75th minute when Swedish striker Stina Blackstenius scored following a clever pass from Beth Mead, sealing the match for Arsenal. This goal sparked jubilant celebrations from players and fans alike, including Arsenal legend Ian Wright. Post-match, striker Alessia Russo expressed the team’s unwavering belief in their capabilities, stating, “We knew that we could be good enough. It was just about going and doing it. And we’ve done it!”
With this triumph, Arsenal became the only English club to lift the Women’s Champions League trophy, while the Matildas’ Cooney-Cross joined her teammates, adding another impressive title to Australia’s football legacy. This marked Foord and Catley’s first Champions League win, whereas their fellow Australian, Ellie Carpenter, has previously tasted victory with Lyon.
Barcelona’s aspirations for a fourth title in five years and a potential three-peat were dashed. Their squad, which included standout talents like Ballon d’Or winners Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas, struggled to convert scoring chances, falling short against Arsenal’s disciplined defence. Despite an explosive performance leading up to the final, Barcelona’s attack was blunt, culminating in their defeat.
The loss followed a frustrating season for Barcelona, with their men’s side also faltering in the Champions League semi-finals. The women’s team has a mixed finals history, having won three out of six Champions League appearances—achievements including victories over Chelsea, Wolfsburg, and Lyon, with losses to Lyon in 2019 and 2022.
In the aftermath, Bonmatí reflected on the match, acknowledging that the team wasn’t at its peak but emphasising the need for resilience: “We need to push onwards and use what’s happened here to our benefit in the future.” As Arsenal lifts the trophy high, the victory marks a significant chapter in the evolving narrative of women’s football, celebrating both skill and determination on the European stage.