Arsenal Women wrote themselves into the history books by becoming the first winners of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, overcoming Corinthians in a dramatic final at the Emirates Stadium decided in extra time.
Played in heavy rain, the final swung repeatedly before Caitlin Foord settled it in the first half of extra time, finishing a transition move to give Arsenal a 3-2 victory after an exhausting contest that tested both sides physically and mentally.
Arsenal struck first after 15 minutes when Olivia Smith reacted quickest to convert a rebound following a shot from Stina Blackstenius. Corinthians responded swiftly, with Gabi Zanotti punishing a failure to clear the ball decisively, firing home from inside the area to level the score.
The conditions made flowing football difficult and the game remained tight until the 59th minute, when Lotte Wubben-Moy restored Arsenal’s lead with a powerful header. Arsenal looked to see the game out, but deep into stoppage time the video assistant referee intervened to review a challenge by Katie McCabe on Gisela. A penalty was awarded and Duda Albuquerque converted, forcing the final into extra time. It should not have been given.
Foord’s decisive moment followed soon after, though Arsenal were made to endure a tense closing spell, finishing the match with a serious injury to Anneke Borbe, who had to be given oxygen as she was stretchered off, as Corinthians pressed for another equaliser.
The final whistle confirmed a landmark triumph, crowning Arsenal as world champions.
Afterwards, head coach Renée Slegers spoke with pride about how her players handled the occasion and the shifting momentum of the final. “Very proud, in the semi-final we said we had to earn the right to play together in the final, and we did,” she said. “It was a hard game and we knew it was going to be much more difficult, this one.
“Corinthians did really well against Gotham. They played with a lot of intensity, energy, passion and very high discipline defending their goal and that’s what they did tonight so it’s hard to break down.
“But of course, after the penalty, 2-2 and it going to extra time, I’m just really proud with the different momentum shifts in the game and how we managed that, it wasn’t easy for us tonight, but we got the win.”
The victory adds another major trophy to the cabinet following last season’s Champions League success, and Slegers said the occasion underlined Arsenal’s place on the global stage. “Definitely, that’s why it’s a special trophy, it’s what we achieved last year and also it puts us in the position to compete in this competition.
“So really proud, it was really nice and challenging to play against the champions from other continents, and of course I’m happy we won it.”
She also reflected on the emotional discipline required on such a night. “Before the game we spoke about staying in the middle (emotionally), not too high, not too low, always bring yourself back to the middle, the controlled middle because that’s when we perform at our best and I think the players were excellent tonight.”
Asked where the new silverware might sit, Slegers smiled. “I’m not sure, it’s quite heavy! It can have different functions but I think we’ll just put it somewhere nice so we can see it and remember.”
For Arsenal Women, this was not just another trophy, but a historic one, confirming their status at the summit of the women’s game worldwide