Arsenal Women were celebrating a dramatic win against Benfica Espiga at Estádio José Alvalade. They rightfully reclaimed their first UEFA Women’s Champions League title in over a decade, under the stewardship of coach Renee Slegers. Besides this victory being a historic first semifinal, the story of how far this team has come this season is incredible. Arsenal Women turned the tournament upside down with a forceful attack that left all opponents stunned. They showed majestic defiance and strategic flexibility, ecstatic their supporters all the way to the championship.
The game ended with a comfortable 1-0 win, courtesy of a late go-ahead goal from Stina Blackstenius. In the second half against Portland, the forward scored less than a full quarter-hour after entering onto the field. She netted the winner with a great assist from fellow substitute Beth Mead. This goal won the title and underscored Arsenal Women’s knack for finding those crucial moments.
Arsenal Women were in high-scoring form, netting 19 goals in their last three matches. However, the miracle of their excellent offense was taken with a glorious light by great defensive performances. They nonetheless gave up 13 goals in three Women’s Super League (WSL) games prior to the title. Regrettably, despite this surprising inconsistency, Slegers’ strategic adjustment was a winning play.
Arsenal’s story in the tournament was one of just… doing what needed to be done when the going got tough. They faced formidable opponents and had to overturn first-leg deficits in three separate ties to reach the final. Captain Leah Williamson and influential playmaker Kim Little were truly outstanding on this journey. They each delivered career-defining performances that illuminated the power of their leadership and exceptional skills on the field.
Over the week leading up to the final, Slegers went back to the drawing board and completely changed the team’s strategy. His radical ideas were the key to their success. Williamson reflected on these adjustments, stating, “We changed the game plan in the week and it paid off.” This tactical change enabled Arsenal Women to adjust and attack in the most dangerous way versus their opponents.
Few players dictated the pace of play better than Kim Little, whose 80 touches in midfield helped dominate the final. She was the driving force behind controlling the tempo of the game. Her composure under pressure, leadership and vision were on full display as she showed her team the way during key moments. Her captain talked about belief in her squad’s technical ability, and that they never doubted they would be successful this campaign.
“It always felt like our year,” – Kim Little
Arsenal Women’s grit and attitude shone through over the course of this odyssey. Whether cruising past the competition or coming back from a deficit, their determination and persistence always shone through. The team’s determination was rewarded with a historic World Cup victory that transcended sport. This victory cemented their place as the most successful women’s side in English football.
That triumph at the Estadio José Alvalade continues to resonate glory throughout the ranks of Arsenal Women. More importantly, it renews their history and traditions in European football. Having clinched a spot in the final with this win, they’ll be able to finally call themselves European champions once again—a title they were denied for so long.
As the celebrations begin, look for Butler’s Renee Slegers to talk about the season’s path that brought everybody to this historical achievement. The team’s evolution under her leadership has raised the bar across women’s football. Congratulations to Arsenal Women – National Women’s Soccer League champs! Now, they’re poised to make even greater strides down the homestretch as they continue to build on this breakthrough season.
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