Arsenal's women's side are once again feeling a familiar buzz of anticipation. 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 (OL Lyonnes) in the final four for a second year running. The prospect of a repeat showdown adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already high‑stakes campaign.
Last season, Arsenal clinched back‑to‑back titles by edging out Barcelona in Lisbon, and the decisive goal came from none other than Swedish striker 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 them. Her knack for scoring in crucial moments has made her a cornerstone of the team's success. "I love winning with this group and would move mountains to make it happen," Blackstenius told Sky Sports ahead of the first‑leg semi‑final at the Emirates.
"As a forward, you always want to get on the scoresheet, and in these marquee games there’s an extra thrill to it." Under head coach Renee Slegers, Arsenal have cultivated a formidable home record, which fuels their confidence despite the disappointment of losing the first leg of last year’s semi‑final. That defeat, however, sparked a dramatic comeback in France where they overturned the deficit against the eight‑time European champions.
The narrative of Arsenal's recent triumphs has been that of underdogs who refuse to stay down, and this season they find themselves as the team to beat. When asked whether holding the Champions League trophy has altered the squad’s mindset, Blackstenius replied, "It hasn’t changed anything fundamentally. We know we can win it, and if we did it once, we can definitely do it again.
The confidence is there, but the pressure feels the same as last season. We keep working hard because our sole aim is to reach the final." She added that the experience of last season has been a catalyst for growth: "We learned a lot from our comeback against Real Madrid and OL Lyonnes away from home. Those victories gave us immense belief. When we play our best football, we are always a side to be reckoned with." Arsenal’s attacking partnership has also been a highlight.
Alessia Russo, Blackstenius’s teammate, currently tops the Champions League scoring chart with eight goals in ten matches. The duo has blended seamlessly, producing some of the most exciting football of their careers.
A significant contributor to this chemistry is assistant coach and former England striker Kelly Smith, who works closely with the forwards. "Kelly has been instrumental in developing us as attackers.
We spend a lot of time in training fine‑tuning our link‑up play, 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 in the box.
Alessia, on the other hand, is brilliant with the ball and excels at setting up chances. Together we make it difficult for any defensive line to contain us." The contrast in their playing styles is precisely why Arsenal were eager to secure Blackstenius on a new contract earlier this week.
More options in attack only strengthens the Gunners' arsenal. Reflecting on her time at the club, Blackstenius said, "Arsenal is a special place in so many ways.
Since I joined four and a half years ago, so much has happened. The league is fun, the supporters are fantastic, and the staff create an environment that feels like home.
We are hungry for silverware and aim to compete fiercely in every competition. I can see the club continuing to grow, and I want to be part of that journey." Looking ahead, Arsenal could be traveling to Oslo for the Champions League final on 23 May.
Given Blackstenius’s track record, it would not be surprising if she plays a pivotal role in guiding the Gunners to that stage. Beyond the pitch, fans can engage with the competition through various platforms, including free WSL highlights and streaming options without a contract. The excitement surrounding Arsenal’s campaign is palpable, and the team’s blend of experience, talent, and determination suggests they are well‑placed to add another trophy to their cabinet. In summary, Arsenal’s women’s side enter the semi‑final with a blend of confidence born from past triumphs and a hunger to repeat their success.
With Blackstenius leading the line, Russo providing a prolific scoring threat, and a supportive coaching staff, the Gunners are poised to once again challenge for Europe’s top honour. The upcoming clash with OL Lyonnes promises to be a compelling chapter in what has already been a remarkable season for Arsenal.