FC Barcelona have been a formidable presence in Europe over the last five years, having secured the UWCL title three times in 2021, 2023, and 2024 in the last four years, and now they aim for a three-peat when they face Arsenal on Saturday, May 24.
Arsenal last lifted the UWCL trophy in 2007 and hasn’t reached the finals until now. They enter this match as the underdogs against a relentless Barcelona, who are on a mission for a consecutive quadruple.
The two teams have faced each other five times in this competition, with Barcelona having the upper hand against Arsenal in those encounters.
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Alexia Putellas, Fc Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
The recently crowned LigaF champions dominated Chelsea, winners of the Super League, with an impressive 8-2 aggregate score on their way to the finals.
Prior, the Spanish side demolished German powerhouse Wolfsburgin the quarter-finals, bagging a 10-2 aggregate against the 2023 UWCL runner-up.
They have shown no signs of slowing down in this campaign, with their only UWCL defeat this season being a 2-0 away loss againstManchester City at the first group stage match. They returned the favor with a 3-0 win at home against the English side.
Barcelona sits at the top of the tournament chart with 44 goals scored, only 7 conceded, and 4 clean sheets
Foord, Mariona and Maanum celebrate their comeback against Lyon. (Alex Burstow / Arsenal FC / Getty)
Arsenal’s UCL astonishing run
Arsenal made a stunning comeback against the 8-time UWCL winners and French powerhouse Lyon, winning 4-1 in the second leg, after trailing 2-1 in the first match, advancing them to the final.
This is not the first time they staged a comeback in this campaign. Arsenal completed a remontada against Real Madrid, winning 3-0 at home after trailing 2-0 away in the first leg.
With her official appointment as head coach this season, Renee Slegers told a news conference that her team isn’t playing in the UWCL final ‘Just to participate, implying that they are going to give their all for the trophy.
Although the English side has struggled a bit in their league, they secured a thrilling 4-3 victory over Manchester United, solidifying their second place and guaranteeing their spot in next season’s Champions League.
Arsenal’s Mariona and Barcelona’s Aitana (via UWCL/Getty Image)
Arsenal has greatly relied on the dynamic quad of Mariona Caldentey, Alessia Russo, Frida Maanum, and Caitlin Foord in this campaign. They have combined for over 27 goal contributions and would be decisive in the finals outcome.
Honorary mention: Daphne van Domselaar would be crucial in the Arsenal post, as her saves helped them over the finish line against Lyon.
Tactical Approach
Barcelona: They are known for their possession ”Tiki-Taka” play style, quick passing, and movement to create overloads and exploit space. Their 4-3-3 shape allows for a variety of wide attacking options.
Arsenal: They are known to play a possession base style, this might not be possible for a Barcelona side. They would have to focus on a well executed high press and adopt playing through the wide areas to create opportunities
Final Verdict
This would be the first-ever Women’s Champions League final between Fc Barcelona and Arsenal.
The final outcome weighs on which team adapts perfectly under the highest pressure.
The key question is: Can Arsenal rise and reclaim their lost European glory or will Barcelona defend the crown as Europe’s queen and further cement their legacy?
