Arsenal stars Russo and Williamson break down in tears after UWCL triumph over Barcelona

Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Barcelona in the 2025 UEFA Women's Champions League final was sealed by super sub Stina Blackstenius' decisive goal. The emotional celebrations from key players Alessia Russo and captain Leah Williamson underscore the historic nature of this win, ending an 18-year wait and toppling a dominant Barcelona side.

Sources:
GoalMSportstar+2
Updated 1h ago
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Sources: MSportstar+1
Arsenal secured their second UEFA Women’s Champions League title with a 1-0 victory over Barcelona, ending an 18-year gap since their last final appearance. The winning goal came from Stina Blackstenius in the 74th minute, whose introduction alongside Beth Mead shifted the momentum.

Arsenal entered the final as underdogs against a dominant Barcelona side seeking a third consecutive title. Despite Barcelona’s 20 attempts and 12 corners, Arsenal’s defense, led by captain Leah Williamson, held firm.

"I don't believe it, I'm going to f*****g cry. Sorry, I'm crying. This team has been together for a really long time and we've been working really, really hard to get to the next level," Williamson said tearfully.

Forward Alessia Russo also expressed her emotions: "It feels surreal. We knew we could [win]. We believed since the moment our Champions League journey started. We knew that we had the capabilities... Our squad just wanted it so badly."

Blackstenius, who joined Arsenal in 2022, has been a key player, scoring crucial goals as a substitute throughout recent seasons. Her decisive strike in the final secured Arsenal’s first European title since 2007.

The victory marks a significant milestone for Arsenal, who overcame a historically dominant Barcelona team, demonstrating resilience and tactical discipline. The team’s unity and belief were pivotal in their triumph.

"It felt like our year, and the game today was the same thing. It went our way. We played the game the way we wanted, and it went our way," said teammate Little.

This win not only ends Arsenal’s long wait but also signals their rise as a major force in women’s European football.
Arsenal stars Alessia Russo and Leah Williamson broke down in tears after their team’s 1-0 victory over Barcelona in the 2025 UEFA Women’s Champions League final, securing Arsenal’s second title. Russo called the win surreal, while Williamson praised the team’s hard work and long journey together.
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"Amazing. We had to suffer a lot. They’re a top side. We knew coming into this game that we’d have to suffer and there would be moments when we wouldn’t have the ball and we would have to be content and happy with not having the ball knowing our moment would come. Our squad just wanted it so badly."
Alessia Russo
Arsenal forward
Sportstar
"It feels surreal. We knew we could [win]. We believed since the moment our Champions League journey started. We knew that we had the capabilities, we knew that we could be good enough. It was just about going and doing it, and we've done it."
Alessia Russo
Arsenal forward
Goal
"I don't believe it, I'm going to f*****g cry. Sorry, I'm crying. This team has been together for a really long time and we've been working really, really hard to get to the next level."
Leah Williamson
Arsenal captain
Goal
"I don't have the words. I joined this football club and they were winners, they won everything and all I wanted to do was represent the badge in the same way and today we went another big step towards that."
Leah Williamson
Arsenal captain
1
Key Facts
  • Arsenal reached the Champions League final for the first time in 18 years, facing holders Barcelona in 2025, marking the longest gap between finals in the competition's history.1
  • Barcelona was the favorite, aiming for a third consecutive Champions League title and had appeared in six finals in seven years, considered on paper to be the best team in the world.Sportstar
  • Arsenal stuck to their game plan focusing on strong defense and patient attack despite Barcelona's 20 attempts and 12 corners; Arsenal had only 8 attempts and 2 corners.Sportstar
  • Stina Blackstenius, a super sub who joined Arsenal in January 2022, scored the only goal in the 74th/75th minute with a clinical finish, securing Arsenal's first European title since 2007.M
  • Arsenal held on to win 1-0, securing their second-ever Champions League title, their first since 2007.22
  • Emotional reactions from players like Alessia Russo and captain Leah Williamson highlighted the significance of the victory, with both breaking down in tears after the match.Goal2
Key Stats at a Glance
Minute of winning goal by Stina Blackstenius
74 minutes
1
Gap between Arsenal Champions League finals
18 years
1
Barcelona's consecutive Champions League titles sought
3 titles
1
Final match score
1-0
M
Goals scored by Blackstenius in 2022-23 season
18 goals
M
Goals scored by Blackstenius as substitute in 2023-24 season
7 goals
M
International appearances by Blackstenius
100 appearances
M
International goals scored by Blackstenius
30 goals
M
Barcelona attempts vs Arsenal attempts
20 attempts vs 8 attempts
Barcelona corners vs Arsenal corners
12 corners vs 2 corners

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