Arsenal’s women’s team have won the Women’s Champions League, beating Barcelona 1-0 in the final thanks to a goal from Stina Blackstenius in Lisbon on Sunday night

Last week, the Women’s Champions League trophy was nicked by criminals – this time it was heroic and resilient Arsenal who snatched it from Barcelona’s grasp. Stina Blackstenius, a second-half substitute, displayed immaculate control and had the killer finish to match just seven minutes after entering the fray as the Gunners executed an astonishing upset to become European champions for the first time since 2007.

Renee Slegers’ brave comeback queens are no strangers to defying odds, but they were 6/1 underdogs upon arrival in Lisbon and despite stunning victories over Real Madrid and Lyon, they were barely given a puncher’s chance against Pere Romeu’s star-studded side, who have contested five of the past six finals. But Slegers, who has propelled Arsenal to new heights following Jonas Eidevall’s resignation in October, demonstrated her coaching prowess and orchestrated a cold and clinical performance on the biggest stage of all to put the club back on their pedestal.

Not only did Arsenal shatter their glass ceiling, they also…

ARSENAL 1-0 BARCELONA: Stina Blackstenius scored as the Gunners beat holders Barcelona and won the Women’s Champions League for the second time in their history

The Women’s Champions League trophy was stolen by criminals last week – but this time it was heroic and resilient Arsenal who snatched it from Barcelona’s clutches. Second-half substitute Stina Blackstenius’ killer control and finish just seven minutes after entering the fray saw the Gunners execute the mother of all shocks to become European champions for the first time since 2007.Renee Slegers’ courageous comeback queens are no strangers to defying odds but they were 6/1 underdogs on arrival in Lisbon and were barely given a puncher’s chance – despite stunning wins over Real Madrid and Lyon – against Pere Romeu’s star-studded side, who have contested five of the past six finals.But Slegers, who has driven Arsenal to new heights following Jonas Eidevall’s relegation in October, showcased her coaching qualities and masterminded a clinical performance on the biggest stage to put the club back upon their perch. Not only did Arsenal shatter their glass ceiling but admirably, they also…

Former Arsenal Women’s manager Vic Akers hopes the Gunners will emulate his team when they face Barcelona in the women’s Champions League final in Lisbon this weekend

Vic Akers is full of pride when he sees thousands of fans flocking to Arsenal WSL games at the Emirates. It is a long way from his very early days in charge when his players would have to pay Sunday League style subs just to hire the pitches.

Akers hopes Arsenal’s current generation will emulate his team when they face Barcelona in the women’s Champions League final in Lisbon this weekend. Arsenal were the first and so far only British side to conquer Europe.

But there is a unique piece of history from that success – when his Arsenal side won an unprecedented quadruple back in 2007 – which he thinks will never be beaten. Akers said: “I don’t think anyone will repeat what we did by winning all four. And I take immense pride about it.

“We grew the game. It gives me so much pride when I go to games at the Emirates now and see thousands of people walking up to the stadium.

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