Arsenal and Renee Slegers triumph over Barcelona in emphatic Champions League win | OneFootball

Arsenal claimed their second UEFA Women’s Champions League title with a clinical 1-0 win over defending champions Barcelona. Stina Blackstenius was the difference for the Gunners with her crucial goal to secure the trophy.

The Catalan side dominated much of the ball but struggled to break down a well-organised Renée Slegers’ defence. Slegers’ tactical plan outsmarted Pere Romeu’s. Katie McCabe’s overlapping runs forced Caroline Graham Hansen to track back and defend, limiting her usual offensive threat. Alessia Russo pressed Irene Paredes during the build-up phase, cutting off Barcelona’s right side and forcing play through Mapi León on the left.

Although Mapi, Alexia Putellas, and Patri formed a fluid triangle to escape Arsenal’s press, the crucial connection between Aitana Bonmatí and Graham Hansen never materialised.

Renée Slegers high press Liverpool plan

Arsenal controlled the tempo early on. The Gunners saw a disallowed goal after Irene Paredes accidentally deflected a ball into her own net, but Frida Maanum was offside in the build-up. Arsenal’s best chance came through Maanum again, whose long-range strike forced a fine save from Cata Coll.

Meanwhile, Russo and Chloe Kelly led the press, forcing errors high up the pitch, including one where Alexia lost possession deep in her own half.

Barcelona’s reaction

Barcelona grew into the match in the second half. Bonmatí delivered the first real warning shot from inside the box. Moments later, a defensive mix-up in the Arsenal area nearly led to a Barça goal, but Leah Williamson cleared the danger.

Later on, Alexia, Pina and Aitana combined brilliantly, with the latter setting up Pina. The powerful shot crashed against the crossbar, though. An attacking Barcelona Ona Batlle had several dangerous attempts from distance, but the English compact defence was an actual wall for all those shots.

Arsenal began to retreat into a low block and looked to counter through Russo. Stina Blackstenius came close with a one-vs-one against Cata Coll, but the Barça keeper stood tall. Still, it was a warning sign.

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Breaking the deadlock

Mariona Caldentey, from the right wing, found Beth Mead at the top of the box. Mead slipped a perfect ball through to Blackstenius, who calmly finished into the far post. It was a sucker punch for a Barça side that had controlled the ball.

The final minutes saw visible frustration from the Blaugranes, especially over time-wasting substitutions and what they perceived as theatrical fouls by Mead and McCabe. But Arsenal held firm, defending resolutely and blocking every shot from outside the box.

“The blocked shots and clearances showed we didn’t think they were going to score, nothing was going to get through us,” said Caitlin Foord after the match.

Celebrations and reactions

It was Arsenal who lifted the trophy, showcasing a perfect blend of tactical discipline, resilience, and clinical finishing. Barcelona players were devastated after the final whistle.

Caldentey and Codina were directly to support their former teammates and friends. After speaking with all of them, both went to celebrate along with the Gunners.

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