Second half substitute Stina Blackstenius scored the only goal of the game as Arsenal upset holders Barcelona in the final of the UEFA Womens Champions League on Saturday afternoon.
Billed as a battle of the ‘defending champions versus the underdogs’, the Arsenal women delivered on the big stage at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon to secure a second European crown.
Buildup to the final
Despite losing the first leg 2-1 at home, Arsenal produced one of the greatest comebacks in women football when they defeated Lyon in the second leg in France 4-1 to complete a 5-3 aggregate win.
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Barcelona on the other hand, delivered a masterclass in both legs against WSL champions Chelsea, winning 8-2 on aggregate.
How it happened
Barcelona made their fifth straight final appearance, and a sixth in seven years, while Arsenal made a first final appearance since 2007 when they lifted the trophy for the first time.
Although the defending champions dominated the early exchanges, the North London side almost took the lead in the 21st minute when Irene Paredes turned into her own net. However, the goal was ruled out for offside against Chloe Kelly in the buildup.
With no further goal-mouth action in the first half, the match ended goalless with the second half expected to produce more actions than the first.
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However, Arsenal were not to be denied once again as two substitutes combined in the second half to give them a shock lead.
A brilliant ball from Beth Mead found Stina Blackstenius, who produced an excellent finish past Cata Coll in the Barcelona goal to spark wild celebrations on the touchline.
The Gunners then delivered a masterclass defensive display, to complete the stunning victory over Barcelona as they secured a second Champions League crown.
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