Arsenal’s women’s side is once again caught in a familiar rhythm of high‑stakes football. Both the senior men’s and women’s squads have reached the Champions League semi‑final stage, and for the second year running the Gunners’ women will meet Olympique Lyonnais (OL Lyonne) in the competition’s final four.
The atmosphere at the Emirates feels like déjà vu, but this time the narrative is being written by a new generation of clutch performers. Last season, Arsenal secured back‑to‑back European titles by edging out Barcelona in Lisbon, and the decisive strike came from forward Stina Blackstenius. Blackstenius has built a reputation for delivering when the pressure is at its peak; she has featured in four finals for Arsenal and found the net in three of those decisive matches.
"I really love to win with this team. I would do anything for that to happen," she told Sky Sports ahead of the upcoming semi‑final first leg. "As a striker, you always want to score goals and in these big games, there's something special about it." Under the guidance of manager Renee Slegers, Arsenal have cultivated a formidable home record, giving the squad confidence even after the disappointment of losing the previous year’s first‑leg. Their comeback victory against the eight‑time European champions in France demonstrated the resilience that has become a hallmark of this Arsenal side.
The underdog story that defined last season’s triumph has now shifted; the Gunners are the team everyone is watching, the target on their backs. When asked whether holding the Champions League trophy has altered the team’s mindset, Blackstenius replied, "I wouldn't say it's changed anything.
We know we can achieve it and if we've done it once, we can for sure do it again. That confidence is there, but I don’t feel we’re under more pressure than last season.
We still work hard, we still want to play in the final – that’s the only goal we have." She reflected on the growth the squad has experienced: "We didn’t always get the best result last year, but we came back against Real Madrid and OL Lyonne away as well, which gave us a lot of confidence. When we play our best football, we're always a team to count on." This sentiment captures the evolution from a side that once believed it could never be beaten to one that now believes it can beat anyone.
Arsenal’s attacking partnership has been a key factor in their recent success. Alessia Russo, Blackstenius’s teammate, leads the Champions League scoring charts with eight goals in ten matches.
The duo’s chemistry has flourished, partly thanks to the mentorship of assistant coach and former England striker Kelly Smith. Blackstenius praised Smith’s influence: "She has played a big part working with us forwards.
We have a lot of time in training to develop our relationships and it works really well." Explaining their complementary styles, Blackstenius said, "We are different players and we bring different qualities to the team. I like to run deep, stretch the line, make runs into the box and create space for myself and those around me. Alessia, on the other hand, is superb with the ball, great at setting up teammates and making it difficult for defenders. Our differences make the team stronger against a variety of opponents." Their partnership has also motivated Arsenal to secure Blackstenius on a new contract, a move announced earlier this week.
The club sees her versatility and experience as invaluable assets. "It’s a special club in so many ways," Blackstenius reflected, noting her four‑and‑a‑half‑year tenure.
"The league is fun, the supporters are amazing, the staff is fantastic, and the whole environment feels like home. We want to win silverware and compete in every competition. I feel we keep growing, and you can see the direction we’re heading." Looking ahead, the Gunners could soon be travelling to Oslo for the Champions League final on May 23. If history repeats itself, Blackstenius will likely play a pivotal role in guiding Arsenal to that stage, just as she did in Lisbon.
Her knack for rising to the occasion, combined with the collective ambition of the squad, suggests that Arsenal’s quest for European glory is far from over. Beyond the pitch, the club continues to engage fans through various initiatives, including free highlights of the Women’s Super League and streaming options that require no long‑term contracts.
Such accessibility helps maintain the growing interest in women’s football and ensures that supporters can follow every thrilling moment of Arsenal’s journey. In summary, Arsenal’s women’s team enters this season’s Champions League with a blend of confidence, experience, and a hunger to repeat past successes. With Blackstenius leading the attack, Russo providing a prolific goal threat, and a supportive coaching staff nurturing their development, the Gunners are positioned to be a formidable opponent for OL Lyonne and any other team standing in their way.
The upcoming semi‑final promises to be another chapter in a story that continues to captivate fans worldwide, and Arsenal’s resolve to lift the trophy again remains as strong as ever.