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Arsenal face Barca again after stunning 2025 final upset
12 Nov
Summary
- Arsenal won the 2025 Women's Champions League final 1-0 against Barcelona.
- The Gunners are under pressure after a struggling start to their domestic season.
- Arsenal are again seen as underdogs ahead of their upcoming match.
Arsenal will face Barcelona in the Women's Champions League, reuniting for the first time since Arsenal's surprising 1-0 victory in the 2025 final held in Lisbon. Manager Renee Slegers, who had taken charge just four months prior, celebrated that win as a significant tactical achievement.
Currently, Slegers is under pressure due to Arsenal's difficult start to the domestic season, trailing league leaders by 12 points. The team aims for a revitalizing win reminiscent of their underdog triumph against a strong Barcelona side featuring Ballon d'Or winners.
In 2025, Arsenal, despite poor pre-final domestic form, delivered a complete performance. Key players like Leah Williamson and Kim Little were instrumental in disrupting Barcelona's play and maintaining a strong defense against numerous shots.
The introduction of Stina Blackstenius and Beth Mead in the 2025 final proved decisive, with Blackstenius scoring the winning goal. This tactical shift demonstrated Arsenal's ability to adapt and threaten Barcelona's defense.
Barcelona has since won the 2026 title and maintains a perfect record this season, while Arsenal is also unbeaten in the Champions League. Arsenal's WSL home games are played at Borehamwood, with potential move to the Emirates for later stages.
Comparisons to the 2025 final are evident, with Arsenal again facing Barcelona as underdogs, this time at the Nou Camp. Barcelona boasts a formidable scoring record, while Arsenal's recent away form in the WSL and Champions League has been strong.
Manager Slegers acknowledges the need for discipline and comfort without the ball, but also emphasizes Arsenal's own quality. The team needs contributions beyond Alessia Russo, whose goals have been crucial, and a return to the defensive solidity shown in Lisbon.
Arsenal aims for a competitive showing to secure automatic qualification for the Champions League quarter-finals. While difficult, the team has previously proven they can achieve against the odds, needing a near-perfect performance.
