From 6 fans in Umeå to thousands in Lisbon, Arsenal joy comes full circle | OneFootball

18 years after watching Alex Scott score in Umeå, Sylvain Jamet returned to witness another unforgettable night in Lisbon, as Beth Mead and Stina Blackstenius combined to beat Barcelona and bring the Champions League trophy back to north London.

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Arsenal, massive underdogs before kick-off, produced a night of unforgettable defiance and discipline in Lisbon, overcoming Barcelona 1-0 to win their second UEFA Women’s Champions League title. The winning goal came courtesy of two substitutes, Beth Mead and Stina Blackstenius, who combined just minutes after entering the pitch.

The victory was built on an extraordinary defensive effort. To keep a clean sheet against a side as dangerous and inventive as Barcelona required complete commitment to the game plan, crafted by Renee Slegers and her staff, and executed with remarkable discipline and belief by the players.

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This is a special group. From regular starters such as Mariona Caldentey, Katie McCabe, Emily Fox, Steph Catley, Leah Williamson, Kim Little, Frida Maanum, Caitlin Foord and Alessia Russo, to those who played fewer minutes but still made vital contributions, including Laia Codina, Stina Blackstenius, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Lina Hurtig, Vicky Pelova and Amanda Ilestedt, every player has played a part.

It was also encouraging to see Katie Reid make an impact in her first full senior season. She is one of the few Academy products to break through in recent years.

The goalkeeping group of Daphne van Domselaar, Manuela Zinsberger and Naomi Williams has also been integral. Van Domselaar, clearly not fully fit, avoided taking goal kicks throughout the match and rarely launched long balls. Yet she still produced crucial saves when it mattered. Her consistent quality throughout the season matched the high standards she has shown with the Netherlands since Euro 2022.

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Chloe Kelly, who arrived in January, made an immediate impact. Her energy and quality on the wing raised the team’s level and added competition for places. Her presence allowed Renee Slegers to move Mariona Caldentey into central midfield alongside Kim Little, offering Arsenal more balance and control.

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The backroom staff also deserve huge credit. From the football department to medical and operations, all have played a vital role. Special mention goes to Emma Saunders, the physiotherapist I have known for many years, whose journey through clubs like London Bees and Millwall Lionesses to Champions League glory with Arsenal is as rewarding as it is well earned.

I was one of six fans who travelled to Umeå 18 years ago and witnessed Alex Scott’s famous winning goal in Arsenal’s first European triumph. The feeling now is just as powerful. The game has changed enormously, but the pride remains the same.

Games like these are why we care so deeply.

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The supporters have been magnificent. Since the success of Euro 2022, attendances have grown rapidly. Home and away support has reached record levels, and the official supporters’ club has worked tirelessly alongside the club to help foster a brilliant atmosphere around the team.

This trophy belongs to everyone. The players, the staff and the supporters have all played their part. It is a shared achievement and one that will be remembered for the rest of our lives.