Women’s Champions League

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    Arsenal Women enter historic new chapter after winning Champions League as club confirm Emirates Stadium decision

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      Arsenal’s Leah Williamson opens up on tearful moment after Women’s Champions League win and her trophy hunger

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      LEAH WILLIAMSON urged Arsenal to keep on winning silverware after fans’ raucous celebrations of their Champions League triumph.Like fellow club icons Tony Adams and Thierry Henry, the Gunners star wants to be remembered for major trophies wins as well as loyalty to the team.Leah Williamson and her team-mates celebrated their Women’s Champions League with fans gathered outside the Armoury in front of the EmiratesCredit: GettyThousands had flocked to the stadium celebrate the club’s second Women’s Champions League tourmanent winCredit: AlamyWilliamson paid tribute to skipper Kim Little after revealing they both broke down in tears following their defeat of Barcelona in the Champions League finalCredit: GettyChloe Kelly was serenaded by fans who chanted “we want you to stay” with the England forward currently out of contractCredit: GettyAlex Scott invited Arsenal striker Stina Blackstenius to say a few words to the crowd gathered outside the EmiratesCredit: AlamyWilliamson, who broke down in tears after her side’s Champions League final defeat of Barcelona, joined team-mates for a public celebration of their triumph at the Emirates today. The centre-back put in one of her best performances of her career as Spain’s club football queens were shut out during Saturday’s showdown in Lisbon.  Her efforts helped her side secure Arsenal’s second Women’s Champions League trophy win following the club’s first triumph in 2007. And the lifelong Arsenal fan wants her legacy to be about loyalty combined with winning the biggest prizes with the Gunners. Read More Football StoriesWilliamson said: “You have to win trophies and I’m so proud of what we do off the pitch, who we are, how we lead and how we carry ourselves. “I’m so proud of that but I want to win and Arsenal should be winning. “I’ve looked at that legacy all my life and I’ve been aware of that and I wanted to contribute to it. “I don’t want to end my career just being loyal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Loyalty is great but loyalty with trophies is just something else.”This week I’ve spoken to Tony Adams and Thierry Henry, people I watched (when I was young). Arsenal star Katie McCabe leads anti-Tottenham chants and has ‘Jack Wilshere moment’ in Champions League parade”They were incredible and they won and that’s why they are remembered the way they are. “I’m proud that we’re the only team in the land (to have won the Women’s Champions League). “Anybody that’s Arsenal – red and white – is going to have a summer to remember.”This morning thousands of fans flocked outside the Armoury in front of the stadium as  Williamson and her team-mates held their European trophy aloft. And Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe had supporters cheering following her leading expletive laden chants concerning rivals TottenhamAfter a mix of lighthearted and moving short speeches delivered by several players and head coach Renee Slegers, Williamson shared her reflections on her team’s success. Williamson, who spoke to Thierry Henry and Tony Adams this week, wants to be remembered for more than just her loyalty to ArsenalCredit: ReutersAnd she paid a touching tribute to skipper Kim Little, who is currently the team’s long-serving player having made more than 300 appearances. Williamson added: “If you look at this celebration today, the turnout and what we’ve done over the last couple of years, this is the stuff that makes you stay. “(After our win) I dropped to my knees because of the tears and then I went to look for Kim. We were just sobbing.”Kim Little is everything I would want to be as a person. “I’m just glad (for her) because you don’t get recognised sometimes and that’s unjust.  Read More on The Sun”You need to win trophies and to win the biggest things to get what you deserve. Kim deserves everything.”People had the game of their lives and I genuinely don’t know if anyone (on the team) that put a foot wrong in terms of the game plan and what it was meant to be.” More

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      Chloe Kelly ‘grateful’ to find happiness and Champions League success with Arsenal after being in ‘dark place’

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      CHLOE KELLY will be forever grateful to Arsenal after finding happiness and Champions League glory, following some dark moments this term. However the England star was tight-lipped on her future with her loan move ending after the Gunners’ defeat of Barcelona. Chloe Kelly wrapped up her loan stint with Arsenal by helping the team win this year’s Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe England forward played for 68 minutes in of the Gunner’s 1-0 win against Barcelona at Sporting Lisbon’s home ground in PortugalCredit: GettyKelly and her Arsenal pals are set to celebrate their contest triumph with a trophy outside the Emirates on Monday 26 MayCredit: AlamyFollowing her Man City to Arsenal switch in January, Kelly, 27, has impressed for the club, including during their triumphant Champions League charge. The forward made eight appearances in Europe for Renee Slegers’ side this term. And she played for 68 minutes yesterday as the team fought their way to a 1-0 defeat of Barcelona in this year’s decider played in Portugal’s capital Lisbon. The loan move that led to Kelly helping the Gunners win a second Champions League trophy, was preceded by her bombshell statement concerning a lack of game time at City. Read More Football Stories In the written post Kelly mentioned her mental wellbeing and lack of minutes affecting her career as well as her need to be happy again The England forward said: “From being in such a dark place to now, it’s crazy. “I was ready to take a break from football completely (but now) I’m just grateful. As soon as I stepped foot in this club, I found happiness. Most read in Football“As soon as Renee Slegers got on the phone to give me the opportunity to represent this badge, I wanted to repay her.”Tomorrow Kelly and her Champions League-winning pals will gather outside Emirates Stadium for a trophy celebration set to be attended by Arsenal fans. Players are due to celebrate their triumph in Armoury Square near the ground with the Bank Holiday Monday shindig expected to begin at 11:30.Of the club’s supporters, Kelly added: “I love them, they’re flipping amazing. Whether I was playing against them or for them, they’re the best fans.” Kelly’s Arsenal experience goes all the way back to 2010 when she joined their academy before making her senior debut five years later at 17. Spells at Everton and Man City followed the forward from 2016 before she made her Gunners return this January. On whether she wishes to stay at Arsenal with her Man City contract ending in June, Kelly added: “If it’s my last game for the club, I’ll forever be grateful. “They gave me an opportunity to step foot on the pitch and find happiness.They gave me an opportunity to step foot on the pitch and find happiness. “It’s not about football at times. No matter what happened today, the club gave me happiness.”Arsenal’s Champions League triumph saw Slegers become the first Dutch coach to steer a team trophy glory in the contest. Beth Mead laid on the assist for Arsenal’s winning goal after coming on as a substitute for Kelly in the 69th minute of their 1-0 defeat of BarcelonaCredit: GettyAnd Beth Mead, 30, hopes the performance Arsenal produced against Barcelona can be replicated by the team throughout a season. Read More on The SunThe forward, who teed up Stina Blackstenius’ match-winning goal, said: “The European journey has been incredible. “We’ve had a lot of ups and downs but we’ve shown so much character to win. Now as a team, we’ve got to do that throughout a full season.” More

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      Alex Scott shows off midriff in retro Arsenal kit and sips bubbly with Jess Glynne at Women’s Champions League final

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      ALEX SCOTT went down memory lane with partner Jess Glynne – as they watched Arsenal Women make history.The football presenter sipped champagne with singer Glynne in the Lisbon stands as they wore retro tops and cheered the Gunners to glory in the Women’s Champions League final.Jess Glynne and partner Alex Scott chose 1980s’ Arsenal topsCredit: PAScott watched her old team win the Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: GettyThe ex-Lionesses star looked as toned as ever as she balanced the bubblyCredit: PAGlynne and Scott saw history made at the Estadio Jose Alvalade venueCredit: PASub Stina Blackstenius’s brilliant 74th-minute strike edged out favourites and holders Barcelona 1-0.Scott, 40, was in the Arsenal side on the only other occasion they lifted the crown – in 2007 when it was called the Uefa Women’s Cup.And she looked as toned as she did back then – in a cropped yellow shirt revealing her impressive abs.Glynne was seen grinning as the couple looked on in classic short-sleeved tops from 1988-90, midway during Arsenal’s JVC sponsorship era.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEx-defender Scott walked down steps with a glass of bubbly in each hand.Yet at times Glynne looked to be enjoying herself even more than the famous ex-Gunner.The 35-year-old smiled and laughed as the couple settled in for the action at the Estadio Jose Alvalade stadium in the Portuguese capital.In fact, they could not have looked more relaxed – in contrast to the tense final that developed below them on the pitch.Most read in FootballBarcelona’s Irene Paredes slid in to net an own goal – only for VAR to deny Arsenal that opener as crosser Frida Maanum was ruled offside.But although the Spaniards were often on top, Leah Williamson masterminded the Gunners’ fierce defending.Scott celebrated victory as if she was still a playerCredit: GettyGlynne might have been even happier than Scott, judging by this picCredit: PAAnd Blackstenius came on to fire a first-time winner for WSL runners-up Arsenal following a sublime pass from fellow substitute Beth Mead.Scott was ecstatic at the end after making her way down to the pitch – celebrating with arms as wide as any of the club’s current players.It was sheer joy from the BBC star, who as a player won 140 caps for the Lionesses and lifted the WSL crown five times with Arsenal.Scott’s relationship with Glynne became public two years ago.She’s since called it “special” and has promised to protect it.Meanwhile, the couple have regularly shared blissful snaps – including a spectacular adventure holiday in Costa Rica in January.A glimpse into Scott’s glam life…Alex made 148 appearances for Arsenal Women – but since quitting playing has appeared in magazines including AttitudeCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale nowThe former right-back won 140 England Women’s capsCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale nowScott began dating Jess Glynne in 2023Credit: RexShe was spotted sharing a kiss with Jess as the couple went public with their romanceCredit: PAScott loves to dress up and went to town on Halloween with this incredible outfitCredit: GettyShe also dressed up as a scary clown on October 31Credit: Instagram @alexscott2Scott was awarded an MBE in 2017Credit: PAShe attended Wimbledon with partner JessCredit: Getty More

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      TNT Sports forced to apologise as two Arsenal stars swear on live TV after Alessia Russo broke down in interview

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      TNT SPORTS were forced to apologise twice as Arsenal’s stars got lost in the emotions of winning the Women’s Champions League.Katie McCabe and Leah Williamson both swore on live TV as they let out their emotions following a 1-0 victory over Barcelona, while Alessia Russo was reduced to tears by the incredible victory.Arsenal won the Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersThe Gunners lifted the trophy for the first time in 18 yearsCredit: AFPKatie McCabe accidentally swore live on TNT Sports as she was overcome with emotionCredit: TNT SportsMcCabe, who was overcome with emotion after 10 years with the Gunners, couldn’t help but drop the f-bomb when she was describing just how hard she and her teammates worked for the win.In her interview on TNT she said: “I’m just in disbelief to be honest. Well no, actually, I believe it.”Because we suffered together today. Barcelona threw absolutely everything at us and we f*****g – sorry – we kept it together. We rode it out and we rode the storm.”TNT’s hosts didn’t let the impassioned x-rated answer sit for long without an apology, as the lead presenter said: “Apologies for the language there”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd it wasn’t long before another apology was issued as captain Leah Williamson suffered a similar faux pas during her chat to the broadcaster.She said: “I don’t believe it, I’m going to f*****g cry. Sorry, I’m crying. “This team has been together for a really long time and we’ve been working really, really hard to get to the next level. “And to do it on the biggest stage, and I think some people just had the game of their lives and that’s what you need, and we did it. I’m just so happy.”Most read in FootballLeah Williamson was close to tears as she swore live on TNT SportsCredit: TNT SportsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt wasn’t just a few accidental foul-mouthed slip-ups that showed how much this win meant for Arsenal though, as England star Alessia Russo showed with her pitch-side tears.Crying after helping Arsenal end a near 20-year wait for European glory, Russo said: “It feels surreal. We knew we could [win]. We believed since the moment our Champions League journey started.”We knew that we had the capabilities, we knew that we could be good enough. It was just about going and doing it, and we’ve done it.”It was all thanks to the brilliance of substitute Stina Blackstenius who scored just seven minutes after being introduced as a second-half substitute to grab the only goal of the game.Arsenal had dug deep to defend well against a Barcelona side that are widely considered as the best team in the world on paper.While, like Williamson said, every Gunners star seemed to put in the best performance they possibly could to ensure European glory would be returning to North London for the first time since 2007.Alessia Russo was left in tears after the victoryCredit: TNT SportsStina Blackstenius scored the game’s only goal as a second-half substituteCredit: APThe Gunners pulled off a massive underdog victoryCredit: Reuters More

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      Arsenal 1 Barcelona 0: Blackstenius climbs off bench to win Gunners first Women’s Champions League in 18 years

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      STINA BLACKSTENIUS stunned Barcelona by firing Arsenal to Champions League glory wrecking the Catalan giants hopes of a European three-peat.The Sweden ace, who has a knack for netting tournament-winning goals, bagged one that saw the Gunners win the contest for the first time in 18 years.Arsenal have won the Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: APThe Gunners stars posed with their medals after beating Barcelona 1-0Credit: AFPStina Blackstenius scored the winning goal as Arsenal won the Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: AFPArsenal returned to European glory for the first time in almost 20 yearsCredit: APThe Gunners were massive underdogs heading into the finalCredit: PAEmotional scenes at full-time showed how much it meant to the Arsenal fansCredit: APWith Arsenal under the cosh the Sweden striker was called into action by boss Renee Slegers, along with Beth Mead in the 69th minute at the home of Sporting Lisbon in Portugal.The duo did not disappoint with Blackstenius pouncing on Mead’s classy reverse pass to drill low a shot beyond keeper Cata Coll six minutes later.The striker, who bagged Arsenal’s winner in the Women’s League Cup, was mobbed by her team-mates with Barca’s players looking stunned to go behind.The Gunners also had a goal chalked off in a tense encounter which they were jeered by a largely partisan crowd of 38,356 onlookers.READ MORE IN SPORTDespite the jeers of Barca’s fans, with just 5,000 Gunners supporters present, Slegers capped Arsenal’s renaissance by guiding the team to football’s top club prize.Respect and belief were the buzzwords around her camp as time drew near to the team’s biggest European game in 18 years.It was almost two decades ago (2007) that Arsenal claimed a Champions League trophy for the first time.Gunners legend Ian Wright, watching from the stands, had urged Slegers side to embrace the moment.Most read in FootballIan Wright watched on from the standsCredit: PAArsenal chairman Josh Kroenke was seen chatting to Uefa president Aleksander CeferinCredit: PAArsenal legend Alex Scott watched alongside partner Jess GlynnCredit: PACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFor periods of the game they certainly did with some of Arsenal’s top brass watch from the stands including co-owner Josh Kroenke and managing director Richard Garlick.The queens of Spain’s top-flight have pretty much demolished most of their Champions League rivals, lifting the trophy three times in the last four years.Ever since their first triumph in 2021, with Chelsea thrashed 4-0, they have been a force to be reckoned with.From the WSL this season, Manchester City were the only side able to lay a glove on Barcelona in Europe, with their tactically smart 2-0 win in the group stage.WSL champions Chelsea tried and failed to get past them conceding eight times across their two-leg semis tie.So the odds were very much against Arsenal at the home of Sporting where a large Barcelona contingent roared the holders on.After some panicky defending in their box early on, Slegers players appeared to settle into the game restricting the holders to just ONE first half shot on target.The Gunners thought they had taken the lead after Irene Paredes poked home an own-goal but a VAR check found Frida Maanum was offside.Read More on The SunAfter Claudia Pina had a 58th minute shot blocked and Barca fired some efforts narrowly over the bar.Arsenal took the lead much to the Catalan giants dismay. And they held out to capture the trophy for the first time in almost 20 years.Blackstenius found the bottom corner from inside the area to score the only goalCredit: AFPArsenal put on a defensive masterclass to stop Barcelona from scoringCredit: AFP More

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      Arsenal vs Barcelona Women’s Champions League final LIVE: Blaugrana aim for third consecutive title against Gunners

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      ARSENAL look to deny Barcelona a Women’s Champions League treble in Lisbon. Renee Slegers is aiming to win the competition for the second time in the Gunners’ history, with the first title coming in 2006/07.Alessia Russo’s goal was enough to see Arsenal see off eight-time winners Lyon in their semi-final this season.Barcelona are back-to-back defending champions, and dispatched of treble winners Chelsea 8-2 on aggregate in the semi-final.Start time: 5pm BSTTV channel: TNT Sports 1Arsenal XI: Van Domselaar, Fox, Williamson, Catley, Mariona, Little, McCabe, Maanum, Foord, Kelly, Russo.Barcelona XI: Cata Coll, Batlle, Paredes, Maria Leon, Rolfo, Patri, Aitana, Alexia, Pina, Graham, Pajor.Follow our live blog below…Arsenal 0-0 BarcelonaFrida Maanum battled in vain, trying to win a corner for Arsenal.They’ve been competing well and we’ve already seen a couple of feisty exchanges in the corners. Copy linkCopiedWe’re off – Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona 0The Gunners are pressing high, but we’ve yet to have any action in or around the penalty area.Copy linkCopiedWe’re off – Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona 0The Gunners are pressing high, but we’ve yet to have any action in or around the penalty area. Copy linkCopiedWe’re off – Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona 0A tentative start so far, with Barcelona predictably happy to pass the ball out from the back.But Russo had an early glimmer of hope when she pounced on a slack pass, albeit failing to make much ground.Copy linkCopiedWe’re off – Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona 0Today’s teamsArsenal: Van Domselaar, Fox, Williamson, Catley, McCabe, Little, Maanum, Caldentey, Kelly, Russo, Foord.Subs: Zinsberger, Williams, Wubben-Moy, Codina, Mead, Walti, Hurtig, Pelova, Nighswonger, Blackstenius, Ilestedt, Cooney-Cross.Barcelona: Coll, Batlle, Paredes, Leon, Rolfo, Bonmati, Patri, Putellas, Graham Hansen, Pajor, Pina.Subs: Gemma, Roebuck, Jana, Paralluelo, Marta, Vicky, Engen, Brugts, Cano, Schertenleib, Serrajordi, Judit.Copy linkCopiedSlegers says Gunners are used to nervesManager Renee Slegers is sure Arsenal won’t be fazed by the occasion.She told TNT Sports: “We’ve played high pressure games with this team this season, we all have that in our luggage. “We’ve got players that have played in finals, the Champions League final, the Euros so they play high pressure games often but this is going to be one of the biggest ones for them.”What we’ve said is ‘enjoy the occasion’ because we have to feel happiness about it that we took ourselves here so that will be partly in the warm-up for example, taking it all in. “When the whistle goes it’s a game of football and we have to focus on the task.” on a high level as well so we’re happy we got a couple of extra days.”Copy linkCopiedHere we go!Just a couple of minutes until kick-off in Lisbon, we can’t wait for this one!Copy linkCopiedCatalonia to north LondonSpeaking about Mariona Caldentey, the forward, who won her 15th major medal with Barcelona, was seen kissing the Women’s Champions League trophy a year ago while wearing the blue and red stripes of the club and holding the logo on her chest.Caldentey played ten seasons at the home of the reigning European champions, scoring 114 goals in 302 appearances, despite not having gone through Barcelona’s junior system.After starting the season as the struggling club, Arsenal stormed up the table, securing second place in the WSL and contending with the best in Europe.Caldentey has served as the creative, force of ingenuity alongside Alessia Russo, the WSL Golden Boot winner, and added dynamism to the midfield.She is now getting ready to play against her old side for the first time since she left them to sign with Arsenal in the summer.Copy linkCopiedTop scorer chaseThe Champions League trophy won’t be the only coveted title on the line… Clàudia Pina has led the hotly-contested scoreboard, whilst her opponents for today in Alessia Russo and Mariona Caldentey. Pina, who has come of age this season, has already surpassed the tally set in the last two editions. Pina – 10 goals Russo – 7 goals Caldentey – 7 goalsCopy linkCopied’This is where we want to be’Arsenal striker Alessia Russo on if Arsenal are back where they should be: “100 per cent”Any player that plays for Arsenal understands it is a winning club that is so ambitious and wants to be at the top competing with the best. “This is where we want the club to be and we will keep pushing as players. We are very aware of what has come before us as well. “Kim [Little] has played for the club for so long and she deserves to be here. “We had lunch with some of the 2007 winners to understand what it means to them and that is really special for us.”Copy linkCopiedCaptain’s logMidfielder Alexia Putellas says Barcelona’s previous Champions League titles guarantee nothing heading into another final: “You tend to forget what the team has achieved and what you have done as a player to continue with future ambitions. “We don’t really analyse or look at what we’ve done much. Despite having three Champions Leagues, it doesn’t mean we will win tomorrow.”It doesn’t matter how many finals. It is true, we know what we have done, but it means nothing on your day-to-day work. “You always want to go to the next level and to the next goal. The next goal is tomorrow’s final. “We will try to prepare it in the best possible way and do our best. We hope it ends with a title.”Copy linkCopied’Not easy’Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati on Barca heading into the final as favourites: “It is good that we have been given the favourites label but we know how important this is. “Although it’s a new rival that has not been in the final for years, it is not an easy match. “We still need to win the game and anybody can win.”Copy linkCopiedThree in a row?We’ve touched on it just there; history-in-wait is on the line for both… Barcelona can solidify their reputation and increase their power in Europe.They are attempting to become only the second side to win the title three years in a row as they compete in their sixth Champions League final overall and their fifth consecutive one.However, this is only Arsenal’s second Champions League final appearance. Since the Gunners won the trophy in their inaugural final in 2007, no English team has taken home the trophy. Is it possible for them to win both games?Copy linkCopiedTeam news is in!Arsenal: Van Domselaar, Fox, Williamson, Catley, Mariona, Little (C), McCabe, Maanum, Foord, Kelly, Russo.Barcelona: Cata Coll, Batlle, Paredes, Maria Leon, Rolfo, Patri, Aitana, Alexia, Pina, Graham, Pajor.Copy linkCopiedLisbon lightsAfternoon and welcome to the SunSport’s live blog of the women’s Champions League final!We’ve got a tasty encounter between two of the best-supported clubs in women’s European football. Barcelona take up the roles of resounding favourites. The Femeni have won this competition three times in the last four years and continue to set the gold standard. They have scored 196 goals, won 43 of 46 games in all competitions, and averaged more than four goals per game this season. In more instances than they have scored fewer than three goals (11), they have scored six or more goals (13).As for underdogs Arsenal, they’ve relished in the responsibility of spoiling the set norm. The Gunners are the only side in the history of the competition to go to the final after competing in the first qualifying round – securing top spot over Bayern Munich in the group before toppling Real Madrid and Lyon. Renée Slegers has overseen the North Londoners’ second-half-of-season form with a clear understanding and delicate touch that has produced wonder to make the first final featuring an English side since Chelsea in 2020-21 – she’ll need that and more to produce another magic act. Kick-off at the sold-out Estádio José Alvalade, 5pm GMT.Copy linkCopied More

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      Arsenal vs Barcelona live stream: How to watch huge Women’s Champions League final FREE

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      ARSENAL and Barcelona go head-to-head in the Women’s Champions League final TONIGHT!The Spaniards are eyeing a FOURTH title in five years and a third on the bounce as they look to match Eintracht Frankfurt’s tally of competition wins.Barcelona are eyeing their fourth Women’s Champions League title in five yearsCredit: AlamyArsenal completed an epic turnaround to progress to the finalCredit: AlamyBarca thrashed Chelsea 8-2 over two legs, winning 4-1 home and away to book their spot in this year’s final.Meanwhile, Arsenal overturned a 2-1 deficit against 8-time Champions League winners Lyon to progress to the Lisbon showpiece.The Gunners stunned the French champions on their own patch with a 4-1 triumph in the second leg to win the tie 5-3 on aggregate.When is Arsenal vs Barcelona – Women’s Champions League final?The Women’s Champions League final will take place on Saturday, May 24.The match kicks off at 5pm BST.Lisbon’s Estadio Jose Alvalade plays host.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHow to watch Arsenal vs Barcelona – Women’s Champions League final for FREEIn the UK, the Women’s Champions League final between Arsenal and Barcelona will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1 and DAZN.Fear not if you are not subscribed to either platform, as DAZN are running a free live stream of the match on their DAZN’s Women’s Football YouTube channel.Free coverage of the event will begin with a preview show at 4.30pm BST. More

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      Alessia Russo willing ‘to suffer’ in Arsenal’s battle Champions League glory with holders Barcelona 

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      ALESSIA RUSSO is ready to suffer against Barcelona if this leads to Arsenal lifting Europe’s biggest club prize once more.The chance of playing in Champions League final is a dream the Gunners striker has carried since childhood. Alessia Russo and her team-mates face huge Champions League final test against BarcelonaCredit: GettyThe Gunners receives dozens of messages from well-wishers and fans ahead of their bid to help the club win the contest for a second-timeCredit: GettyBarcelona have been in imperious form in Europe this term and scored eight goals across two games during their semi-final tie against ChelseaCredit: AFPAn ambition she “would have bitten off an arm” to fulfil.The dream Russo, 26, had during her younger years of featuring in a Champions League final is just hours away from coming true.It will be shared with a club who are to date the only English side to have won the women’s contest with their triumph over Swedish outfit Umea 18 years ago. This striker said: “As a little kid, the idea of competing in the Champions League, let alone playing in the final, is something I would have bit an arm off to get. Read More Football Stories “Now it’s coming around, it feels special and we’re just trying to enjoy the build-up and the moment.”I know that (so much) work has been done (by the players and the club) for a long time “Arsenal have been significant in terms of women’s clubs from England in the Champions League and making history in that competition.”We know what we’re coming up against with Barcelona. Their history speaks for itself.”Most read in FootballBarcelona have come a long way since their Champions League debut back in October 20212A match that ended with their 4-0 group stage loss to an Arsenal team then managed by English gaffer Laura HarveyAt 5:00pm today at the Jose Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, a massive challenge faces Russo, her team-mates and their Dutch coach Renee Slegers.Arsenal hope to become the first team to topple Barcelona in the contest’s decider since Lyon’s triumph three years agoThe ten-time top-flight champs of Spain have won three of the last four finalsTheir journey to this one included a semi-final dismantling of Chelsea with an 8-2 aggregate win. Russo added: “They’ve been there and done it in almost everything. “Knowing that we’re coming up against an absolute world-class team, we have to be at our best, switched on, humble and ready to go”I feel if we weren’t, then we wouldn’t be in the final in the first place.”                                                              The 50,095 capacity ground they will play in, home of Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon, has hosted some memorable games in the past.Encounters include Sporting’s 3-1 defeat of Manchester United in August 2003 in the stadium’s inaugural fixture.A friendly in which the trickery of a then 18-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo caught the eye of ex-Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson. A game that proved pivotal in influencing the Scotman’s decision to sign the forward who would go on to become the men’s Champions League’s all-time top scorer. Today Russo wants to create some pivotal moments of her own just as she did during Arsenal’s semis knockout of Lyon last month. “It’s going to be tough and we’re going to have to suffer in moments. Alessia Russo She scored her side’s third goal last as they pulled off a gutsy, second-leg fightback with the tournament’s record winners trounced 4-1 after their 2-1And the striker, who netted seven goals in ten Champions League appearances, this term is willing to suffer to secure the win. Russo added: “We want to leave everything on the pitch.”It’s going to be tough and we’re going to have to suffer in moments. “In games like this you just have to leave absolutely everything out there. I know that sounds cliché but it’s true.”The more you’re playing in these games and dealing with the pressures, the highs and the lows of it all can only help you further down the line.”We (my team-mates and me) talked about the biggest games in our careers.””This is definitely one of them. It’s massive for us all and to be doing it with Arsenal feels really special.”The last clash between the Gunners and their opponents, ended in a heavy 4-0 group stage loss for the London side in December 2021Today the Gunners have the bonus of an ex-Barca star Mariona Caldentey, 29, within their ranks. The Champions League-winning experience of the Spain playmaker, who has lifted the trophy three-times in the past four years, will be crucial. Russo said: “Mariona has got a crazy football brain and I’m sure she’s got some things up her sleeve. “It’s nice to have input from her, not only just because she’s played for Barcelona, but because she’s won the Champions League and the World Cup.”She knows how to win in these important moments.”Arsenal’s last foray in a Champions League final 18 years ago resulted in a triumph over Umea after a two-match tie. The decisive second leg for the team, then managed by former club kitman Vic Akers, ended as a 1-0 win at Boreham Wood with full-back Alex Scott’s strike sealing the victory.It’s a game Russo and her pals have been watching in the run-up to today’s match. The striker adds: “We were watching the highlights a couple of weeks ago of the second leg at Boreham Wood. “It’s crazy to think that was the last time an English club won the Champions League. “I was at an Adidas event with Rachel Yankey (who played in the match) and she reflected on the game. Russo reckons Mariona Caldentey’s experience of winnning the Champions League three times will be important for ArsenalCredit: PA“She recalled (the atmosphere) at Boreham Wood being electric. Read More on The Sun”Rachel said the players wanted to use the crowd massively because our fans are incredible.”I know we’ll have an amazing support out in Lisbon.” More