Arsenal’s women’s side are once again caught in a familiar rhythm of high‑stakes football. Not only have both of the club’s senior squads reached the Champions League semi‑finals, but the women’s team are set to meet Olympique Lyonnais in the penultimate round for the second year running.
The Gunners are chasing a repeat of last season’s triumph, when they lifted the trophy after a dramatic victory over Barcelona in Lisbon – a match in which Swedish striker Stina Blackstenius netted the decisive goal. Blackstenius has built a reputation for delivering in the biggest moments.
In every final she has contested for Arsenal, she has emerged victorious, finding the back of the net in three out of the four occasions. Her confidence shines through in a recent interview with Sky Sports ahead of the first leg of the semi‑final at the Emirates.
“Winning with this club means everything to me. I would move mountains to make that happen,” she said. “As a forward, you always crave goals, but when the stakes are this high there’s an extra thrill.” Under the guidance of head coach Renee Slegers, Arsenal have cultivated an impressive home record, which fuels belief despite the disappointment of losing the first‑leg semi‑final last year. That setback, however, sparked a comeback that saw the Gunners overturn a deficit against the eight‑time European champions on French soil, a narrative that has become emblematic of their recent success: the underdogs who refuse to stay down.
This season, the tables have turned and Arsenal now find themselves as the team to watch, with many opponents targeting them as the benchmark to beat. When asked whether holding the Champions League title has altered the squad’s mindset, Blackstenius replied, “It hasn’t changed anything fundamentally.
We know we can win it again because we’ve done it before. The confidence is there, but the pressure feels the same as last season.” She emphasized the collective drive that underpins the team’s ambition: “Our sole objective is to reach the final. We work tirelessly for that, and the experience of last year – coming back against Real Madrid and Lyon away – has given us a huge boost of belief.” The forward also highlighted the importance of variety within the squad: “When we play our best football, we are always a team to count on.” This sentiment is reinforced by the performance of her striking partner, Alessia Russo, who currently tops the Champions League scoring charts with eight goals in ten matches. The partnership between Blackstenius and Russo has blossomed, producing some of the most fluid attacking play of their careers.
A key factor in this development has been the influence of assistant coach and former England star Kelly Smith, who works closely with the forwards. Smith’s impact is evident in the players’ comments. “Kelly has been instrumental in shaping our forward play.
We spend a lot of time in training fine‑tuning our relationships, and it pays off on the pitch,” Blackstenius explained. “We are different types of players, which gives the team a range of options. That versatility makes us stronger against varied opposition.” She described her own role as one that involves stretching the defence, making deep runs, and creating space for herself and teammates. “Alessia, on the other hand, is superb with the ball and excels at setting up chances.
Our styles complement each other and make it difficult for any defence to contain us.” The duo’s chemistry has prompted Arsenal to secure Blackstenius on a new contract, a move announced earlier this week. The club sees her experience and adaptability as vital assets for the campaign ahead. Reflecting on her time at Arsenal, Blackstenius said, “This club is special in so many ways.
Since I arrived four and a half years ago, I’ve watched it grow dramatically.” She praised the league’s competitive nature, the passionate supporters, and the supportive environment created by staff and teammates, describing it as a second home. “We are hungry for silverware and aim to compete in every competition. The progress we’ve made is evident, and I can see even bigger things on the horizon.” Looking forward, Arsenal’s immediate target is the Champions League final, scheduled for May 23 in Oslo.
With Blackstenius leading the line, there is every reason to believe the Gunners will be in the mix, and perhaps she will again be the player who decides the outcome in the dying minutes. Her knack for scoring crucial goals, combined with the tactical acumen of Slegers and the creative spark of Russo, positions Arsenal as a formidable contender for European glory.
Beyond the pitch, the club continues to engage fans through various platforms, offering free highlights of the Women’s Super League and streaming options without long‑term contracts. Initiatives such as the Super 6 competition, which offers a chance to win £250,000, keep the community involved and excited about the sport. As the semi‑final approaches, all eyes will be on Arsenal’s attacking trio, the strategic nous of the coaching staff, and the unwavering support of their fan base – elements that together could write another historic chapter in the club’s storied legacy.