'We believed': Matildas trio Champions of Europe as Arsenal down Barcelona in thrilling final
A trio of Matildas stars have found themselves Queens of Europe after Arsenal stunned Barcelona 1-0 to win the UEFA Women's Champions League title.
Caitlin Foord was at her brilliant best up front, Steph Catley was a brick wall at the back, and they got to celebrate with unused substitute Kyra Cooney-Cross. They walked around the Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon draped in an Australian flag.
On an eight-match Champions League win streak, Barca looked sure to continue that streak having dominated much of the first hour of the clash, but were somehow repeatedly repelled by the Arsenal defence.
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That's not to say Arsenal didn't have their own chances either - Foord had her own chance in the 11th minute but her header went across the face.
Arsenal briefly went ahead in the 22nd minute courtest a Barcelona own goal, but it was struck after the VAR called Frida Maanum offside in the leadup.
Kyra Cooney-Cross, Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley celebrate winning the Women's Champions League. Getty
Swede Stina Blackstenius finally broke the deadlock for the Gunners in the 75th minute, finishing off a lovely pass from Beth Mead in a crowded penalty area.
The final whistle triggered wild celebrations from players and fans - including Arsenal legend Ian Wright.
"We believed from the moment our Champions League journey started," Arsenal striker Alessia Russo told TNT Sports.
"We knew that we had the capabilities. We knew that we could be good enough. It was just about going and doing it. And we've done it!"
Arsenal lifting the trophy. Getty
Arsenal are the only English club to have won the Women's Champions League.
The Tillies trio join teammate Ellie Carpenter as Women's Champions League victors - having done so twice with French club Lyon as an unused sub in 2020. She played in the 2022 victory - also against Barcelona - but was forced off the field with an injury just 20 minutes in.
Barcelona were on a three-peat quest which would have given them a fourth title in five years.
And their side was stacked. It boasted two-time Ballon d’Or winners Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas, as well as several others from Spain's 2023 World Cup-winning side.
The highest scoring attack in Europe that had blasted all-comers fizzled out against Arsenal, lacking precision in passing and finishing touch.
Barcelona won nine straight in the competition and blew out Wolfsburg and English champion Chelsea in the knockout rounds.
The disappointment for the women's team comes after its men's side lost to Inter Milan in a Champions League semifinal that it was moments away from winning. Barcelona was eyeing a possible European triple after its under-19 men's team won the UEFA Youth League.
Barcelona's women are 3-3 in Champions League finals. They beat Chelsea in 2021, Wolfsburg in 2023, and Lyon in 2024, but lost in 2019 and 2022, both times to Lyon.
Stina Blackstenius' 75th minute strike proved the difference. Anadolu via Getty Images
Bonmatí's best effort against Arsenal's disciplined defense met the leg of a defender. Forward Claudia Pina hit the bar early in the second half, but the high-octane attack failed to make a late push for an equaliser.
The world champion playmaker said her team will build on this loss.
"We weren’t at our best level, but we gave all we had. In situations like that, football sometimes punishes you," Bonmatí said.
"We need to push onwards and use what’s happened here to our benefit in the future."
