Arsenal’s women’s side are once again living through a familiar narrative. Not only have both of the club’s senior teams reached the Champions League semi‑finals, but the Gunners’ women are set to meet Olympique Lyonnais Féminin for a second consecutive year in the competition’s final four. The Swedes forward, Stina Blackstenius, played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s triumph last season, when the team defeated Barcelona in Lisbon to secure back‑to‑back titles.
Blackstenius has a reputation for delivering decisive goals when the stakes are highest; she has appeared in four finals with Arsenal and found the net in three of those matches. Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports ahead of the first leg of the semi‑final at the Emirates, she expressed her devotion to the club: “I love winning with this team and I would do anything to make that happen.” She added, “As a striker you always want to score, and in big games there’s something special about that moment.” Under head coach Renee Slegers, Arsenal have built an impressive home record, which gives them confidence despite the disappointment of losing the first‑leg semi‑final last year before overturning the deficit in France against the eight‑time European champions. That comeback epitomised the narrative of the previous campaign – the underdogs who never accepted defeat. This season, however, Arsenal have shifted from being the surprise package to becoming the team that others are aiming to stop.
When asked whether holding the Champions League title has altered the squad’s mindset, Blackstenius replied, “I wouldn’t say it has changed anything. We know we can do it, and if we managed it once, we can certainly do it again.” She emphasized that the confidence within the group has not translated into additional pressure: “We still work hard, we still want to reach the final – that’s the only goal we have.” Reflecting on the progress made since the previous season, she noted, “We have grown a lot.
We didn’t always get the best results last year, but we turned things around against Real Madrid and OL Lyonnes away, which gave us a lot of belief.” She summed up the team’s ethos with a simple statement: “When we play our best football, we are always a side to count on.” Arsenal’s attacking partnership has been further strengthened by Alessia Russo, who currently tops the Champions League scoring charts with eight goals in ten matches. The chemistry between Blackstenius and Russo has been described as "beautiful" by both players, who credit much of their development to the guidance of assistant coach and former England striker Kelly Smith. "She has been instrumental in working with us forwards. We spend a lot of time in training building our understanding, and it shows on the pitch," Blackstenius explained.
She highlighted the complementary nature of their styles: "We are different players and we bring different qualities to the team. That variety is a strength, especially when we face different opponents." Blackstenius sees her role as a player who makes deep runs, stretches the defensive line and creates space for herself and her teammates. "Alessia, on the other hand, is superb with the ball and in setting up chances.
Together we make it difficult for any defence to cope." The pair’s contrasting attributes were a key factor behind Arsenal’s decision earlier this week to offer Blackstenius a new contract, a move the club described as adding valuable options to the squad. "It’s a very special club in many ways," Blackstenius said, reflecting on her four‑and‑a‑half years with Arsenal.
"A lot has happened since I arrived. The league is fun, the supporters are amazing, and the environment feels like home." She also spoke about the club’s ambition: "We want to win silverware and compete in every competition.
I feel we keep growing, and you can see that momentum building." Looking ahead, the Gunners could soon be travelling to Oslo for the Champions League final on 23 May. Blackstenius is confident that she will have a significant role in helping Arsenal reach that stage, just as she did in the previous campaign.
Beyond the pitch, the club continues to engage fans with promotions such as the Super 6 competition, offering a chance to win £250,000. While the prize adds excitement for supporters, the focus for the players remains on delivering performances that will secure another historic European trophy for Arsenal’s women’s side. In summary, Arsenal’s women’s team enter this semi‑final with a blend of experience, confidence and a clear hunger for success. With Blackstenius leading the line, Russo providing a prolific scoring threat, and a supportive coaching staff fostering their development, the Gunners are positioned to once again challenge for the ultimate prize.
Their upcoming clash with OL Lyonnes promises to be a compelling showdown, and if history is any indicator, Arsenal will be a team that cannot be ignored.