Arsenal Women have clinched their second UEFA Women’s Champions League title, defeating reigning champions Barcelona 1-0 in a dramatic final at Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon. The mastermind behind this historic win is head coach Renee Slegers, who led her side from early qualification rounds to European glory in her debut season.
Under Slegers’ strategic leadership, Arsenal executed a bold game plan that nullified Barcelona’s attacking prowess, despite the Spanish side featuring Ballon d’Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas. Substitute Stina Blackstenius scored the decisive goal, set up by fellow substitute Beth Mead.
Leah Williamson, once a ball girl during Arsenal’s 2007 Champions League win, was a defensive powerhouse in the final, and captain Kim Little, the last remaining link to that first triumph, anchored the midfield. Together they lifted the trophy, surrounded by glittering celebrations and red-and-white streamers.
The journey included unprecedented comebacks against European giants Real Madrid and Lyon, and no team had ever won the title after playing 15 matches or overcoming three first-leg deficits. The team’s transformation under Slegers has been profound, especially after the struggles and instability under former coach Jonas Eidevall.
Slegers’ calm, tactical precision and belief have galvanized a previously fragmented squad. “In all the phases, the mentality and resilience, our belief was incredible,” she said post-match.
Arsenal Women, now back on top of Europe, have rewritten their legacy with fearlessness and tactical mastery.
Source: Swifteradio.com
