Arsenal vs Barcelona LIVE: Underdog Gunners holding firm in Women’s Champions League final | OneFootball

(AP)

Arsenal take on holders Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League final in Lisbon as the Gunners attempt to become the first English team to win the tournament since their historic victory 18 years ago.

Arsenal are through to their first European final since winning the Uefa Women’s Cup in 2007, but face the new dominant force of European football in reigning champions Barcelona. The Spanish side will be playing in their fifth final in a row, and are targeting a hat-trick of titles in Lisbon.

Arsenal have taken a rollercoaster route to the final with head coach Renee Slegers taking over in mid-season and the Gunners requiring dramatic comebacks to defeat Real Madrid and eight-time Champions League winners Lyon in the knockout rounds.

Barcelona continued to deny English champions Chelsea, with an 8-2 aggregate victory over the unbeaten treble winners in the semi-finals underlining the scale of Arsenal’s task. Arsenal’s player of the year Mariona Caldentey will face her former team, having won a third Champions League with Barcelona in last year’s final.

HT Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona

45 mins: Arsenal’s intensity may be fading after a tireless first half. The heat favours Barcelona who are starting to take control. The Gunners are holding firm but their earlier momentum has waned.

Barcelona have seen more of the ball, but both sides have managed just one effort on target.

Arsenal have had the better chances in a solid first half with Williamson superb at the back. Barcelona haven’t hit top gear yet, but a big second half is likely.

(AP)

Ciara Fearn24 May 2025 17:47

Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona

43 mins: Kim Little does well to track a midfield run showing Arsenal’s defensive focus. Barcelona fans appeal for handball after Graham Hansen’s effort but play continues. Arsenal then enjoy a rare spell of possession in midfield.

Ciara Fearn24 May 2025 17:44

Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona

41 mins: Van Domselaar isn’t punching crosses far but is managing them well. Arsenal took a moment to rehydrate before a corner, with Fox blocking a pass to Pina.

Putellas tries to break through but Foord, McCabe, and Catley have kept close, limiting her impact.

Ciara Fearn24 May 2025 17:43

Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona

38 mins: Williamson briefly lost the ball but made a key tackle on Pina in the box to clear danger. Graham Hansen’s run was blocked by Arsenal’s defense and McCabe forced a corner with a tough block.

Leah Williamson also intercepted Pajor’s poor pass, preventing a shot. Mistakes like that can be costly against Barcelona.

Ciara Fearn24 May 2025 17:39

Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona

33 mins: Putellas earns a corner after a challenge from Foord, who lets out a roar of determination after sprinting the length of the pitch to make that crucial block. Arsenal are handling the big stage and tough opposition with calm confidence. Aside from one tense moment in their penalty area they’ve kept errors to a minimum.

Barcelona responded well creating space for left-back Rolfo who found plenty of room on the flank. But Foord stayed alert and made a solid block to stop her low cross.

Ciara Fearn24 May 2025 17:35

Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona

27 mins: Chance! Maanum fires a powerful shot only to be denied by an outstanding save. Both players were superb in that moment.

After Maanum’s long-range effort, Coll had to scramble back to make a top-class stop. From the corner, Little lashes her shot just over the bar.

Ciara Fearn24 May 2025 17:29