There is a palpable sense of déjà vu surrounding Arsenal at the moment. Not only have both of the club's senior sides reached the Champions League semi‑finals, but the women’s team are set to meet Olympique Lyonnais again in the final four for a second year running.
The Gunners are chasing consecutive titles after their triumph over Barcelona in Lisbon last season – a victory sealed by none other than Stina Blackstenius. The Swedish forward has a reputation for delivering decisive goals when the stakes are highest.
In fact, she has featured in four finals for Arsenal and found the back of the net in three of those occasions, helping the club secure each trophy. "I love winning with this team and I would do anything to make that happen," Blackstenius told Sky Sports in an exclusive interview ahead of Sunday’s first‑leg semi‑final at the Emirates. "As a striker, you always want to score, and in games of this magnitude there is something truly special about it." Arsenal have built a formidable home record under manager Renee Slegers, and that confidence shines through even though they lost the first‑leg semi‑final last year before overturning the deficit to defeat the eight‑time European champions on French soil.
That comeback epitomised the narrative of Arsenal’s recent campaign: the underdogs who never accepted defeat. This time, however, they enter the competition as one of the teams to watch, the very side other clubs are aiming to stop. When asked whether holding the Champions League crown had altered the squad’s mindset, Blackstenius replied, "I wouldn’t say it has changed anything. We know we can achieve it and if we have done it once, we can certainly do it again.
That confidence is ingrained in us, but I don’t feel we are under more pressure than last season. We continue to work hard, aiming to reach the final – that is our sole objective." She reflected on the growth the side has experienced since last season’s triumph: "We have developed a great deal. We didn’t always get the best results, but we came back against Real Madrid and OL Lyonnais away, which gave us a massive boost in belief.
When we play our best football, we are always a team to count on." Arsenal’s attacking partnership has been bolstered by Alessia Russo, who currently leads the Champions League scoring charts with eight goals in ten matches. The synergy between Blackstenius and Russo has produced some of the most fluid, incisive football the club has ever displayed, a development that owes much to the guidance of assistant coach and former England striker Kelly Smith. "Kelly has been instrumental in working with us forwards. We spend a lot of time in training developing our relationships on the pitch, and it pays off," Blackstenius explained.
"We are different types of players, offering varied attributes to the team. That diversity is a strength, especially when we face different opponents." She described her own role: "I like to run deep, stretch the line and make runs into the box, creating space for myself and for my teammates.
That’s my focus, and I’m happy with it." Regarding Russo, she added, "Alessia has a fantastic skill set – she’s comfortable on the ball and excellent at setting up teammates in good positions. Together we make it difficult for any defence to settle. I enjoy playing with her and we are constantly looking to improve." The contrasting styles of the two strikers were a key factor in Arsenal’s decision to secure Blackstenius on a new contract earlier this week.
More options in attack only strengthens the Gunners’ prospects. "Arsenal is a truly special club in many ways," Blackstenius said. "Since I joined four and a half years ago, so much has happened.
The league is fun to play in, the supporters are incredible, and the environment feels like home. We want to win silverware and compete in every competition we enter. I can see the club continuing to grow, and that excites me." Looking ahead, Arsenal could find themselves travelling to Oslo for the Champions League final on 23 May. It would be no surprise if Blackstenius plays a pivotal role in guiding the Gunners to that stage.
Beyond the pitch, the club continues to engage fans with initiatives such as free WSL highlights and streaming options that require no contract, ensuring that supporters can follow the action easily. As the semi‑final approaches, all eyes will be on Arsenal’s attack, and particularly on whether Blackstenius can add another decisive goal to her impressive résumé. The narrative of a team that once were underdogs now becoming the benchmark for excellence is compelling. With a blend of experience, youthful energy, and tactical acumen, Arsenal’s women’s side are poised to write another chapter in their European adventure, and Blackstenius is determined to be at the heart of it.