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Arsenal forward Stina Blackstenius struck a late winner as the London team shocked holders Barcelona 1-0 on Saturday to claim their second Women's Champions League title and first in 18 years to the delight of their 5,000 travelling fans.
Arsenal withstood a flurry of Barça chances before Sweden international Blackstenius broke the deadlock in the 75th minute when she latched onto fellow substitute Beth Mead's reverse pass in a crowded penalty area and fired a low diagonal shot past goalkeeper Catalina Coll at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Renée Slegers's side, who were making their second appearance in the final having won Europe's top competition in their previous appearance in 2007, held on to win against a Barca side going for a third straight Champions League title.
"Amazing," Arsenal forward Alessia Russo told TNT Sports through tears. "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."
The win comes against a mighty Barcelona team considered on paper to be the best in the world. The Catalans were playing in their sixth final in seven years and had hoisted the trophy in three of the past four campaigns. Saturday's reverse was just their fourth loss of the season across all competitions.
Arsenal might have arrived as huge underdogs but had proved in their comeback win over Lyon in the semifinals -- they lost 2-1 at home before roaring back with a 4-1 away victory in the second leg -- that they were not afraid of that tag.
They almost went ahead in the first half when Frida Maanum sprang free on the right wing and Barca defender Irene Paredes slid to divert her low cross into the net for an apparent own goal. However, a VAR check showed Maanum was offside.
Arsenal's defence stood strong as Barcelona had 20 attempts to the Gunners' eight, including two long-range Ona Batlle shots that sailed just over the bar, as well as 12 corners to two.
Blackstenius almost struck a couple of minutes before her goal but Coll stuck out a leg to stop her shot from 12 metres.
Disney+ will be the home of the UEFA Women's Champions League across Europe from next season and the only place fans can watch all live matches in the competition. Visit the Disney+ website to get access.
