Arsenal win 2025 Champions League after beating Barcelona in Lisbon 

Here's a breakdown of the action as Arsenal become European champions

The last time Arsenal lifted a European trophy, was in 2007, and as captain Kim Little said, so much has changed since then. 18 years later, after a an incredibly long run, all the way from the first round of qualifying, the Gunners have made it to another final, facing UWCL giants, Barcelona.

A huge opening ceremony along with club anthems, set the scene for a huge game in the Estádio José Alvalade.

The nerves in the stadium built as the kick off whistle was blown, and having been painted by the media as underdogs, it was all to play for for Arsenal. The start of the game was an end-to-end affair as both teams found their feet.

Only eight minutes in, came Barcelona’s first good chance, as Aitana Bonmati came into possession in the box, prompting Daphne van Domselaar to punch the ball away, ending in a scramble in the box between the Arsenal defence and the Barcelona forwards, and an Arsenal clearance.

The Gunners did well to hold Barcelona off as they continued their attack, and Arsenal had a chance of their own when in the 13th minute, Caitlin Foord put a ball over the box to Chloe Kelly, who sent it over the net on the volley.

A seemingly huge moment for Arsenal came when Frida Maanum’s ball into the box found the foot of Irene Paredes, who sent it into the back of the net for an own goal, but to the dismay of the Gunners, VAR ruled Maanum offside, the score remained 0-0.

After a spell of Arsenal possession, Maanum took a strike from outside the box, which was saved by Cata Coll and out for an Arsenal corner, McCabe’s ball in saw Little on the end, who sent it over the bar. These are the chances Arsenal need to be finding success with.

Barcelona responded with a wave of attack, as Bonmati hit a shot on target, saved by van Domselaar. They looked increasingly threatening, as a ball went over the top to Ewa Pajor, who in plenty of space, drove towards goal, only to be tackled at the back, 34 minutes, no goals.

The half continued much the same, with Arsenal’s back line putting in a strong shift, with some vital blocks and tackles, alongside some key claims from van Domselaar, the half ended 0-0, with all to play for in the next 45 minutes.

Barcelona came firing out of the blocks for the second half, earning themselves a corner almost straight away, however, van Domselaar was able to stop them in their tracks as she saved Pajor’s shot. 

Some signature footwork from Bonmati and a tight pass saw Claudia Pina in possession, and her strike hit the crossbar. Barcelona managed another chance when Ona Battle sent a ball just wide of the goal, the sense in the stadium was that the Spanish side had found another level.

Arsenal managed to get the ball up the pitch occasionally, but struggled for an outlet, as the Barcelona defence stopped the Gunners from being able to make runs into the box.

A pair of Barcelona corners followed, each one looking more threatening, and the crowd getting louder each time. They took their corners short, the first prompting a big save from van Domselaar, the second going over the bar. 

Renée Slegers made her substitutes in the 67th minute, bringing on Stina Blackstenius and Beth Mead to replace Kelly and Maanum, hoping they could change the game. Minutes later, Blackstenius had a chance, when she ran through on goal, but was unable to find the back of the net as Coll made a huge save.

The super subs combined, and Mead put through a fantastic pass to Blackstenius, who turned and struck the back of the net, a huge moment in the 75th minute, sending Arsenal 1-0 up.

They held their lead well, having to put in a huge performance in defence. Slegers made another substitution in the 85th minute, replacing Caitlin Foord with Lina Hurtig, for her last appearance in an Arsenal shirt.

The energy with the Arsenal fans was palpable as seven minutes of added time were announced. Arsenal moved into a five-at-the-back set up, as Alessia Russo was replaced by Lotte Wubben-Moy in an attempt to strengthen the backline and hold their lead until the end.

Barcelona kept coming, but Arsenal cleared every attempt at attack, and Mariona Caldentey won a free kick, which bought the Gunners some time.

The clock ticked down, and the Gunners held on until the very end, and the final whistle blew, Arsenal win the 2025 Champions League.