LISBON, Portugal — Red-and-white streamers exploded into the air as Arsenal lifted their second Women’s Champions League trophy after stunning defending champion Barcelona 1-0 in the final on Saturday.
Tough defense and a goal by Stina Blackstenius in the 75th minute from a pass by fellow second-half substitute Beth Mead powered Arsenal to glory at Estádio José Alvalade.
Arsenal’s title came 18 years after they became the first — and still the only — English club to win the top club title in women’s soccer.
Arsenal’s players embraced on the final whistle and ran to celebrate in front of the corner of the stands where their supporters reveled in the shock result.
“We had to be basically perfect to beat Barcelona,” Arsenal captain Kim Little said. “Our players who came on today had an incredible impact.”
Little and Leah Williamson raised the trophy and streamers and glittering confetti shot over the podium. Meanwhile, Arsenal forward Mariona Caldentey, who played for Barcelona until this season, consoled Barcelona star Aitana Bonmatí before she stepped up to collect her fourth Champions League winner’s medal.
Barcelona was the heavy favorite. They were aiming for a fourth title in five years and to become the only team other than Lyon to win three consecutive titles. The team…
