Arsenal's improbable semi‑final comeback
When Arsenal walked onto the pitch in Lyon for the second‑leg semi‑final, few fans imagined a 4‑1 rout was on the cards. The Gunners entered the game trailing 1‑0 from the first encounter, but a flurry of goals from Stina Blackstenius, Frida Maanum and a late strike by Katie McInnes rewrote the narrative. The result gave them a 5‑3 aggregate win and sent shockwaves through a competition long dominated by the French giants.
That comeback sparked a wave of excitement across England. Social media lit up with hashtags like #ArsenalFinal, and even rival clubs admitted the performance was "classy". For a side that hadn’t lifted the European trophy since the early 2000s, reaching the final felt like a vindication of years of rebuilding and investment in the women’s game.
Barcelona's experience vs Arsenal's momentum
Across the continent, Barcelona prepared for another showdown in Lisbon. The Catalan club, boasting a roster peppered with Ballon d'Or winners, has been the benchmark in European women's football, making their sixth final appearance in seven seasons. Their recent résumé includes a back‑to‑back title run and a tactical edge honed by victories over Lyon, Wolfsburg and Chelsea.
Midfielder Aitana Bonmatí, fresh off another Ballon d’Or, told ESPN that Arsenal’s presence was a "big surprise". "They absolutely deserve it, because scoring four goals against Lyon in the second leg is not easy at all," she said, adding that the Gunners had proved they could challenge the status quo. Bonmatí also recalled the last time the two clubs faced off in 2021, when Barcelona ran out comfortable 4‑0 and 4‑1 wins in the group stage, underscoring the gulf that still existed.
Despite the surprise, Bonmatí UEFA Women's Champions League commentator emphasized respect for the English side’s grit. She highlighted the tactical shift Arsenal displayed, noting how they pressed higher and capitalised on Lyon’s defensive lapses. As the final draws near, analysts predict a clash of styles: Barcelona’s possession‑based, high‑press approach against Arsenal’s fast‑break, counter‑attacking rhythm.
Both camps have lined up their strongest XI. Barcelona’s veteran goalkeeper Sandra Paños is expected to start, while Arsenal will likely rely on the agility of goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger. The midfield battle, featuring Bonmatí versus Arsenal’s rising star Kim Little, could decide who controls the tempo.
Fans from both sides are already making travel plans, with many describing the Lisbon final as a "once‑in‑a‑lifetime" experience. Whether Arsenal can sustain the shock factor that saw them dismantle Lyon, or Barcelona can once again assert their continental dominance, the match promises drama, quality football and a potential shift in the European hierarchy.
