Arsenal's women's side are once again finding themselves in familiar territory. Not only have both of the club's senior squads reached the Champions League semi‑finals, but the Gunners' women are set to meet Olympique Lyonnais in the final four for a second year running.
The ambition is clear: repeat the triumph achieved in Lisbon last season when Arsenal edged Barcelona to lift the trophy. The decisive strike in that victory came from Swedish forward Stina Blackstenius, whose knack for delivering in high‑stakes moments has become a hallmark of her career. In fact, she has featured in four Champions League finals with Arsenal, finding the net in three of those decisive games. Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports ahead of the first‑leg semi‑final at the Emirates, Blackstenius said, "I love winning with this team – I would do anything to make that happen.
As a striker, you always want to score, and in games of this magnitude there is something special about it." Her confidence reflects the belief that has built up around the squad under head coach Renee Slegers, especially after a stellar home record this season. Arsenal’s journey this campaign mirrors the narrative of last year’s underdog story: they were not expected to dominate, yet they have consistently proven they can overturn deficits and defeat the continent's most decorated clubs.
Last season they turned a first‑leg loss into a comeback victory over the eight‑time European champions on French soil, and that resilience remains a cornerstone of their identity. This time, however, they enter the competition as the team to beat rather than the dark horse. When asked whether holding the Champions League title has altered the team's mindset, Blackstenius replied, "It hasn't changed anything fundamentally. We know we can win it again because we have done it before.
The confidence is there, but the pressure feels the same as last season. We still work hard every day because our only goal is to reach the final." She highlighted the growth the squad has experienced, pointing to memorable comebacks against Real Madrid and Lyon in the previous campaign as confidence‑boosting milestones. Arsenal’s attacking firepower this season is anchored by Blackstenius and her teammate Alessia Russo, who currently leads the Champions League scoring charts with eight goals in ten matches. Their partnership has flourished under the guidance of assistant coach and former England striker Kelly Smith, whose experience with forwards has helped refine the duo’s interplay.
"Kelly has been instrumental in developing us as strikers. We spend a lot of time in training working on our relationship, and it shows on the pitch," Blackstenius explained.
"We bring different qualities to the team – I like to make deep runs, stretch the defence and create space, while Alessia is superb with the ball and excels at setting up chances. Our complementary styles make it harder for opponents to defend us." The synergy between the two attackers is one of the reasons Arsenal moved quickly to secure Blackstenius on a new contract earlier this week, adding depth and flexibility to the squad.
"Arsenal is a special club in many ways," she said. "Since I arrived four and a half years ago, the club has grown enormously.
The league is fun, the supporters are amazing, and the staff creates a home‑like environment. We always aim for silverware and want to compete in every competition we enter.
The sense of progression is evident and exciting." Looking ahead, the Gunners could soon find themselves traveling to Oslo for the Champions League final on 23 May. Blackstenius is confident that she can play a pivotal role in that journey, just as she did in Lisbon. Her determination to keep improving, alongside Russo and the rest of the squad, underscores Arsenal’s relentless pursuit of European glory.
Beyond the pitch, Arsenal’s women continue to inspire a growing fan base and promote the visibility of the Women’s Super League. Their success story demonstrates how a club can combine tactical discipline, individual brilliance, and a supportive infrastructure to challenge the traditional powerhouses of European football. As the semi‑final approaches, all eyes will be on the Emirates to see whether Arsenal can replicate their historic comeback against Lyon and secure another place in the final.
With Blackstenius leading the line, Russo providing a constant goal threat, and a coaching staff that has honed their attacking instincts, the Gunners appear ready to write the next chapter of their European legacy. For supporters eager to follow every twist and turn, the upcoming matches promise drama, skill, and the possibility of witnessing another iconic moment in women’s football history.