Ernest Osogbue
Substitute Stina Blackstenius struck in the 74th minute after being teed up nicely by fellow substitute Beth Mead, to give Arsenal a 1-nil win over European heavyweights and defending champions Barcelona, at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal, to be crowned European champions for the second time in the clubs history.
Having finished in 3rd place in the EFL last season, Arsenal had to play three qualifying matches before getting into the main draw of the Champions League. This means that the team had to play fifteen matches before being crowned champions, the highest number of matches played by any champion.
Going into the final, Arsenal were the underdogs by a mile, but the meticulous approach of coach Renee Slegers was in evidence as the extensive scouting job she had done on their opponents ensured that Arsenal absorbed everything their more illustrious opponents threw at them. When the final whistle went, it was relief and joy as they were crowned European champions.
Renee Slegers was appointed interim manager in October last year and was only given the job on a full-time basis in January this year, and now she has led the team to European success. Arsenal, however, remain the only British side to have won the Champions League, having done so 18 years ago in 2007. They have now done it again.
Congratulations to the champions. Up Gunners!
