Barcelona star in disbelief as Arsenal dethrone Champions | OneFootball

Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati says she “can’t believe it” after Arsenal’s shock Champions League win. The midfielder admits the holders weren’t at their best in Lisbon.

Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images

Aitana Bonmati could only shake her head. “I don’t believe it,” she told TV3, moments after Barcelona’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in Lisbon. “I just want to start the game again and do it differently. But this is football.”

It was a rare admission from a player who has come to define Barcelona’s dominance. But in the Champions League final, Arsenal got it right, and Barcelona didn’t. “We were not as good as we usually are in the first half,” Bonmati said. “We were more comfortable after the break, but I have to congratulate Arsenal for their performance. They had their game plan and they took advantage of their chances.”

The only goal came from Stina Blackstenius, just seven minutes after coming on. The Swede finished calmly from a Beth Mead pass, and Arsenal held on as Barcelona pushed for an equaliser that never came.

Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images

“Personally, this hurts me a lot,” Bonmati admitted. “It’s hard looking at the stands and seeing all the supporters. It reminds me of Turin.”

They had arrived in Lisbon as favourites, with two titles in the last three seasons. But Arsenal were organised, disciplined and ruthless when it mattered and had wins over Real Madrid and Lyon behind them.

“It’s a dead ball and we didn’t defend it well,” Bonmati said. “In the other area, those of us in attack have to take our chances. We gave everything, but we were not at our best, and football punishes that.”

Bonmati, like the rest of her teammates, struggled to hide her disappointment. “A large part of the sadness and frustration I have is for the fans that have come. I am really sorry. We will be back.”

On the day, though, it was Arsenal who got it right. And Bonmati who was left looking for answers.