Arsenal’s women’s side is once again caught in a familiar rhythm of anticipation and ambition. Not only have both of the club’s senior teams reached the semi‑final stage of the UEFA Champions League, but the women’s squad is also set to meet Olympique Lyonnais (commonly known as OL Lyonne) in the final four for the second year running. The Gunners are eager to defend the crown they secured last season, when they edged past Barcelona in Lisbon thanks to a decisive strike from Swedish forward Stina Blackstenius. Blackstenius has built a reputation for delivering when the stakes are highest.
In her tenure with Arsenal she has featured in four continental finals and found the net in three of those decisive matches, a record that underscores her knack for big‑game goals. Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports ahead of the first leg of the semi‑final at the Emirates, she expressed a deep‑seated desire to repeat the triumph. “I love winning with this team. I would do anything to make that happen,” she said, adding that as a striker she thrives on the extra intensity that accompanies marquee fixtures.
Under the guidance of manager Renee Slegers, Arsenal have cultivated a formidable home record, which fuels their confidence even though they suffered a first‑leg loss to Lyonne last year. That setback, however, sparked a dramatic comeback in France where they overturned the deficit and eliminated the eight‑time European champions. The narrative of the previous campaign was that of underdogs who refused to accept defeat, and this season the narrative has shifted: Arsenal are now the team to watch, the side that others must reckon with.
When asked whether holding the Champions League title has altered the team’s mindset, Blackstenius replied that it has not. “We know we can win it again because we have already done it,” she explained. “That belief is there, but I don’t feel any extra pressure compared with last season.
Our focus remains the same – we work hard, we want to reach the final, and that is our sole objective.” She highlighted the growth the squad has experienced, citing the resilience shown in away fixtures against Real Madrid and Lyonne as confidence‑building moments. Arsenal’s attacking partnership has been a key factor in their success. Alessia Russo, Blackstenius’s teammate, leads the Champions League scoring charts with eight goals in ten matches. The two forwards have complemented each other brilliantly, a synergy that owes much to the influence of assistant coach Kelly Smith, a former England striker of great repute.
Blackstenius praised Smith’s contribution, noting that the extra training time dedicated to forward play has fostered a strong on‑field understanding. “We are different players, offering varied qualities to the team,” Blackstenius said. “Alessia is superb with the ball and creates excellent opportunities, while I prefer to make deep runs, stretch the defence and create space for myself and my teammates.” Their contrasting styles have become a tactical asset for Arsenal, and the club recently announced that Blackstenius will be offered a new contract, a move motivated by her versatility and the desire to retain multiple attacking options. The forward reflected on her four‑and‑a‑half‑year journey with the club, describing Arsenal as a special environment.
“Since I arrived, the club has changed a lot for the better. The league is enjoyable, the supporters are fantastic, and the staff creates a home‑like atmosphere. We aim for silverware in every competition, and I can see the club continuing to grow.” Looking ahead, the Gunners could soon be travelling to Oslo, where the Champions League final is scheduled for 23 May.
If history is any guide, Blackstenius will likely play a pivotal role in guiding Arsenal to that stage, just as she did in the previous campaign. Beyond the on‑field action, the article also mentioned various ways fans can engage with women’s football, including free WSL highlights, streaming options without a contract, and a Super 6 competition offering a £250,000 prize.
While these details are peripheral to the main story, they illustrate the broader ecosystem surrounding the sport and the opportunities for supporters to stay connected. In summary, Arsenal’s women’s team enters this season’s Champions League with a blend of confidence, experience, and fresh ambition. The combination of Blackstenius’s clutch finishing, Russo’s goal‑scoring prowess, and the strategic guidance of Slegers and Smith positions the Gunners as a genuine threat to retain their European crown.
Whether they repeat the dramatic comeback against Lyonne or chart a new path to glory, Arsenal remain a side that rivals must count on, and fans can expect more thrilling football as the tournament progresses.