Mariona: We knew Arsenal could do it against Barcelona | OneFootball

The ex-Barcelona playmaker set the tempo and delivered in both directions as Arsenal beat the odds to end Catalan dominance in Europe.

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Mariona Caldentey said Arsenal’s second-ever Women’s Champions League title was a result of belief, hard work and knowing exactly what it would take to beat her former club, Barcelona.

Arsenal had less possession and fewer chances in Lisbon, but made theirs count. “We knew we could do it and we did,” Caldentey said after the 1–0 win. “We defended well and played a bit on the counter, which is not our style, but we knew that was what would help us to win.”

Stina Blackstenius scored the only goal after a smart move Caldentey helped set up. She held the ball on the edge of the area, waited for the right moment, then found Beth Mead with a square pass, who slid a beautiful reverse ball through for the Swede to finish. It was exactly the kind of cool-headed play Arsenal needed.

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It was an emotional night for Caldentey, who left Barcelona last summer after 10 years to join Arsenal. She played further back than usual and spent much of the game closing down space for Aitana Bonmatí, who couldn’t believe Barcelona lost, and Patri Guijarro, but still found the moments to influence the match.

“To play against Barcelona and these players is very difficult,” she said. “We suffered a lot.” But Arsenal’s discipline and organisation saw them through, with Renee Slegers’ side managing the game smartly once ahead.

Caldentey, already a three-time Champions League winner with Barcelona, lifted the trophy for a fourth time – but this one clearly meant something different.

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Named WSL Player of the Season, her quality all season has been undeniable despite it being her first in England, scoring 16 and assisting seven in the league and Champions League. And with Spain heading into the Euros this summer, she looks set to be just as important for her country.

The final whistle brought wild celebrations from Arsenal, and quiet reflection from Caldentey, who went to comfort her old teammates.

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“There are no secrets with Barça,” she had said before the game. “You know what they’re going to do, but the difficult part is how you stop them.”

On the biggest stage of all, Arsenal, and Caldentey, did exactly that.