Arsenal beat Corinthians in extra-time to win first ever Champions Cup | OneFootball

Caitlin Foord scored an extra-time winner as Arsenal made history as the first-ever Champions Cup winners.

The Gunners were the strong favourites going into this game as the European champions on home turf however despite all the possession Arsenal enjoyed they were made to fight for it by Corinthians.

Renée Slegers’ side took the lead twice in regular time and were twice pinned back. Olivia Smith opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Stina Blackstenius won the ball back and had a shot saved by goalkeeper Lele only for the Canadian to follow up on the rebound.

However, just six minutes later it was 1-1 and it was Gabi Zanotti – the matchwinner for Corinthians in the semi-final – who headed in from a corner with Anneke Borbe unable to keep it out much to the joy of the impressive turnout of visiting fans.

If it wasn't for Lele, Arsenal would surely have reestablished their lead much earlier than they did with the WSL continuing to have the most of the ball.

With just under an hour gone Emily Fox put in a cross that Lotte Wubben-Moy did well to guide into the net.

It looked like from that point Arsenal would wrap up the win until there was late drama at the Emirates Stadium when Katie McCabe went through the back of Gisela Robledo. 

VAR intervened with the referee awarding a penalty to Corinthians in stoppage time. Vic Albuquerque kept her cool and shot down the middle to make it 2-2 and to force extra-time.

Corinthians looked lively in the first period of extra-time but were caught on the break by Arsenal after losing the ball in midfield. Frida Maanum brought the ball forward and found Caitlin Foord to her left who finished at the near post to make it 3-2 in the 103rd minute.

Arsenal managed to ride out the second period of extra-time but there was concern when Borbe collided with her defender Lotte Wubben-Moy. The goalkeeper was down for some time before being stretchered off with Daphne van Domselaar playing the final seconds of the game.

It was a bittersweet end to the game but Arsenal eventually triumphed over a resilient Corinthians to win the first ever Champions Cup.