The 2025 Women's Champions League final was settled by one goal as Arsenal wrestled the crown of Europe’s best away from the all-conquering Barcelona at the Estadio Jose Alvalade. The Gunners’ run to the final was ultimately been based on comebacks, but one chance is all they needed to win this competition for the first time since 2007.
With around 15 minutes to go, the all-important moment arrived and plenty of credit must go to Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers. It was her double substitution that work wonders with Beth Mead playing a fantastic reverse pass for Stina Blackstenius to score what proved to be the winning goal in Lisbon.
Barcelona, aiming to retain the title for a third year in a row, huffed and puffed but barring Clàudia Pina’s deflected effort that looped against the crossbar, they lacked the cutting edge as they could not find a way past a resloute Arsenal defence. Follow the Women's Champions League final back below with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog!
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Leah Williamson interview
Leah Williamson, the Arsenal vice-captain, explains why the Gunners have been able to show such resilience on the road to Lisbon.
“By being very tasked-focused,” she tells Standard Sport. “These are our capabilities, but we have to earn the right to play. You have unwavering belief that you can reach that level; now is the time to show it.
“There was no bickering, no disagreement. If someone makes a decision, we trust them and back them.”
Star-studded Barcelona XI
Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas start in midfield for Barcelona.
Top-scorer Ewa Pajor leads the line up front.
No surprises
The Arsenal team that Renee Slegers has selected offers no real surprises. As expected, Daphne van Domselaar gets the nod in between the sticks.
The only other big selection decision sees Chloe Kelly start ahead of Beth Mead.
Barcelona team in full
Barcelona XI: Cata Coll; Batlle, Paredes, Maria Leon, Rolfo; Aitana, Patri, Alexia (C); Graham, Rajor, Pina
Subs: Gemma, Roebuck, Jana, Paralluelo, Marta, Vicky, Engen, Brugts, Caño, Schertenleib, Serrajordi, Judit
Arsenal team in full
Arsenal XI: Van Domselaar, Fox, Williamson, Catley, Mariona, Little (C), McCabe, Maanum, Foord, Kelly, Russo
Subs: Zinsberger, Williams, Wubben-Moy, Codina, Ilestedt, Nighswonger, Walti, Cooney-Cross, Pelova, Hurtig, Mead, Blackstenius
CONFIRMED BARCELONA XI
And here is the Barcelona XI...
CONFIRMED ARSENAL XI
Here is the team Renee Slegers has picked to start the Women's Champions League final...
Third time in a row
The Women’s Champions League trophy has belonged to Barcelona over the past two seasons.
It is also their fifth consecutive appearance in the final...
A special message
Arsenal legend Ian Wright, vocal advocate for women's football, has wished Renee Slegers' side all the best in today's Champions League final...
Team news is on the way
We should have team news from the Estadio Jose Alvalade any minute now...