Arsenal's women are once again feeling a familiar buzz. Not only have both of the club's senior sides reached the Champions League semi‑finals, but the women's team is set to meet Olympique Lyonnais in the final four for a second year running. The Gunners are chasing consecutive European crowns after their dramatic victory over Barcelona in Lisbon last season, a match that was decided by the clinical finishing of Swedish striker Stina Blackstenius. Blackstenius has built a reputation for delivering when the stakes are highest.
In the four finals she has contested while wearing the Arsenal badge, she has found the back of the net three times, and each of those outings has ended in triumph for the club. "I love winning with this group and I would move mountains to see us lift another trophy," she told Sky Sports ahead of the first leg of Sunday’s semi‑final at the Emirates. "As a forward, you always crave goals, and in a big game there’s an extra thrill that you just can’t replicate elsewhere." Under the guidance of head coach Renee Slegers, Arsenal have cultivated a formidable home record, and that confidence is palpable despite the fact they lost the first‑leg encounter last year before staging a comeback against the eight‑time European champions on French soil.
That resilience defined their campaign: a squad that was once dismissed as underdogs now finds itself the target of every opponent’s plans. When asked whether being the defending champions had altered the team’s mindset, Blackstenius replied, "It hasn’t changed anything fundamentally. We know we can do it again because we’ve done it before.
The belief in this group is massive, but I don’t feel we’re under more pressure than last season. We still work hard, we still have one goal – to reach the final and win it." She reflected on the growth the side has experienced since last year’s triumph. "We didn’t always get the best results, but we fought back against Real Madrid and Lyon on the road, which gave us huge confidence.
When we play our best football, we’re always a team to count on." Arsenal’s attacking firepower this season is anchored by Alessia Russo, who currently tops the Champions League scoring chart with eight goals in ten matches. The partnership between Blackstenius and Russo has blossomed, producing some of the most attractive football of their careers. A key ingredient in that success has been the influence of assistant coach and former England striker Kelly Smith, who works closely with the forwards. "Kelly has been instrumental in our development.
We spend a lot of time in training fine‑tuning our link‑up play, and it shows on the pitch," Blackstenius explained. "We’re different types of players, which gives the team a range of options. That variety is a strength because we can adapt to various opponents." She described her own role as one of stretching the defence, making deep runs and creating space for herself and her teammates.
"I love to run in behind, pull the line apart and make runs into the box. That’s what I’m comfortable with and I’m happy to do it." Russo, on the other hand, brings excellent ball control and an eye for setting up teammates.
"Alessia is brilliant with the ball and can unlock defenses with her vision. Together we make life difficult for the back line," Blackstenius added. "Our contrasting styles complement each other perfectly, and that synergy is something we enjoy and want to keep improving." The club’s desire to retain Blackstenius was evident when Arsenal announced a new contract for the striker earlier this week.
The management sees her versatility and experience as vital assets, especially as the squad continues to evolve. "Arsenal is a special club in so many ways," she said. "Since I arrived four and a half years ago, so much has happened.
The league is fun, the supporters are amazing, the staff are supportive and the whole environment feels like home. We want to win silverware and compete in every competition.
I feel we’re constantly growing, and you can see the direction we’re heading." Looking ahead, the Gunners could soon be traveling to Oslo, where the Champions League final is scheduled for 23 May. If history is any guide, Blackstenius will likely play a pivotal part in that journey, aiming to add another European medal to her collection.
Beyond the pitch, Arsenal continue to engage fans with various initiatives, from free WSL highlights to streaming options without a contract, and even a Super 6 competition offering a £250,000 prize. All of these elements help maintain the club’s high profile and keep supporters invested in the team’s quest for glory. In summary, Arsenal’s women’s side enters this semi‑final with a blend of confidence, experience and a clear hunger for another title. With Blackstenius leading the line, Russo delivering goals, and a supportive coaching staff fostering a cohesive unit, the Gunners are well‑positioned to defend their crown and once again face Lyon in a showdown that promises drama, skill and, potentially, another historic victory for the North London club.