Arsenal's women's side is once again caught in a familiar rhythm of high‑stakes European football. Not only have both the senior men’s and women’s squads reached the Champions League semi‑final stage, but the Gunners' women are set to meet Olympique Lyonnais (OL) Lyonnes in the final four for the second year running. The atmosphere around the Emirates is charged with anticipation, as the team looks to replicate the triumph they secured in Lisbon last season when they defeated Barcelona, a victory that was sealed by the clinical finishing of forward Stina Blackstenius.
Blackstenius has earned a reputation for delivering decisive goals when the pressure is at its peak. In fact, she has featured in four finals for Arsenal and found the back of the net in three of those occasions, a record that underscores her knack for rising to the occasion. "I love winning with this club and I would do anything to make that happen again," she told Sky Sports in an exclusive interview ahead of the first leg of the semi‑final at the Emirates. "As a striker, you always want to score, and in big games there’s something extra about it." Under the guidance of head coach Renée Slegers, Arsenal have built an impressive home record that fuels their confidence despite the disappointment of losing the first‑leg final last year.
Their comeback victory against the eight‑time European champions on French soil demonstrated the resilience that has become a hallmark of this Arsenal side. That narrative – the underdogs who refuse to stay down – defined their title‑winning campaign and now, as defending champions, they find themselves on the opposite side of the spotlight: the team that others are determined to beat. When asked whether holding the Champions League crown has altered the team's mindset, Blackstenius replied, "I wouldn’t say anything has changed. We know we can win it again because we’ve done it before.
That confidence is there, but I don’t feel any extra pressure compared to last season. We still work hard, we still want to reach the final – that’s our only goal." She highlighted the growth the squad has experienced over the past year, noting that even when results weren’t perfect, the team showed character by overturning deficits against Real Madrid and OL Lyonnes away from home.
Those comebacks have bolstered their belief that they can once more be counted on to deliver when it matters most. Arsenal’s attacking firepower is further amplified by the partnership between Blackstenius and Alessia Russo, who currently tops the Champions League scoring charts with eight goals in ten matches. The duo’s chemistry has flourished, largely thanks to the mentorship of assistant coach and former England striker Kelly Smith.
"Kelly has been instrumental in developing us as forwards," Blackstenius explained. "We spend a lot of time in training fine‑tuning our link‑up play, and it shows on the pitch." She described their complementary styles: "I like to make deep runs, stretch the defence and create space for myself and my teammates.
Alessia, on the other hand, is brilliant with the ball and excels at setting up chances. Together we make it difficult for any back line to settle." The club’s recent decision to offer Blackstenius a new contract reflects how highly she is valued. Arsenal’s management sees her versatility and experience as vital assets, especially as the squad continues to evolve.
"Arsenal is a special club in many ways," she said. "Since I joined four and a half years ago, so much has happened. The league is fun, the supporters are amazing, and the environment feels like home.
We aim for silverware in every competition and we keep growing together." Looking ahead, the Gunners could soon be travelling to Oslo for the Champions League final scheduled for May 23. If history is any guide, Blackstenius will likely play a pivotal role in that journey, just as she did in Lisbon.
Her ability to find the net in crucial moments, combined with the collective ambition of the squad, makes Arsenal a genuine contender for another European crown. Beyond the pitch, the excitement surrounding women’s football continues to rise, with free highlights and streaming options bringing the WSL to a broader audience. As Arsenal prepares for the upcoming semi‑final, fans can expect a blend of tactical discipline, individual brilliance, and the unwavering belief that this team, once again, is a side to be reckoned with.