In 2025, Arsenal faced Barcelona in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final.
The Gunners were aiming for their second title in this prestigious women’s European tournament, while Barcelona sought to claim their third title in a row.
It was quite an achievement for Arsenal to reach this final after a challenging start to the 2024/25 season, and expectations were high for the Catalans heading into the match at Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal.
Pere Romeu’s team had already clinched a sixth consecutive La Liga championship and significantly defeated Chelsea, the Women’s Super League champions, with an 8-2 aggregate score in the semifinals.
Who secured the UEFA Women’s Champions League final?
Arsenal triumphed in the 2025 UEFA Women’s Champions League final, overcoming Barcelona with a score of 1-0.
The decisive moment came in the 74th minute when Stina Blackstenius netted the lone goal, striking low into the bottom-left corner, assisted by Beth Mead.
In the final minutes, the Gunners executed a solid defensive strategy to maintain their lead against the reigning champions, achieving their second European title.
The Gunners = 2025 #UWCL WINNERS #UWCLfinal || @ArsenalWFC pic.twitter.com/cUjO1PT5l9
— UEFA Women’s Champions League (@UWCL) May 24, 2025
Arsenal initially believed they took the lead when Irina Paredes scored an own goal in the first half, but the goal was disallowed for offside following a review.
While Barcelona maintained their typical possession style, they struggled to create significant chances against Arsenal’s sturdy defense. Aitana Bonmati tested goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar twice, and Ewa Pajor missed a great opportunity when she headed over under pressure.
Substitute Blackstenius exhibited calmness when she converted from about 12 yards after receiving a pass from Mead — whether it was a pass or a shot, Arsenal was simply pleased to have the opportunity.
“This is a team effort,” the match-winner said to TNT Sports post-match. “We’ve achieved this from the beginning. I am so proud of all my teammates. They did this for me.”
Has Arsenal previously won the Women’s Champions League?
This victory marked Arsenal’s second Women’s Champions League title.
Their first triumph occurred in 2007 when they defeated the Swedish team Umea 1-0 on aggregate during a two-leg final.
The attendance at those matches was slightly below 10,000, whereas in 2025, a crowd of 38,356 celebrated the event in Lisbon.