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🏆 2025 UEFA Women’s Champions League Final – Arsenal vs Barcelona Preview

🏆 2025 UEFA Women’s Champions League Final 

 Arsenal vs Barcelona

Date: Saturday 25 May 2025 | Kick-off: 18:00 CET (17:00 local)
Venue: Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon
Live: DAZN (globally), YouTube (most territories)
(All information sourced directly from UEFA.com)

Introduction

The stage is set in Lisbon for a highly anticipated UEFA Women’s Champions League Final as Arsenal return to the showpiece match for the first time since their 2007 triumph. Opponents Barcelona are chasing a third consecutive title, their fourth in five seasons, and enter their 100th European match with a wealth of experience and recent dominance.

Form and Path to the Final

Team Last 6 (All Competitions) Latest Result Domestic Finish
Arsenal W L L W L W 4–3 vs Man United (10 May) 2nd – WSL
Barcelona W W W W W W 6–0 vs Athletic Club (18 May) 1st – Liga F

Arsenal’s campaign has been defined by resilience, coming from behind in three consecutive knockout ties (Häcken, Real Madrid, Lyon). Barcelona, meanwhile, have not lost a UWCL match since their opening group stage defeat to Manchester City, scoring 44 goals along the way.

Probable Line-Ups (UEFA Prediction)

Arsenal (4-3-3)

Zinsberger; Emily Fox, Williamson (c), Catley, McCabe; Maanum, Little, Caldentey; Foord, Russo, Mead

  • Daphne van Domselaar remains a fitness doubt.

  • Mariona Caldentey, the WSL Player of the Season, is expected to start in midfield against her former club.

  • Beth Mead edges Chloe Kelly for the starting role on the right wing.

Barcelona (4-3-3)

Coll; Batlle, Paredes, León, Rolfö; Bonmatí, Guijarro, Putellas; Graham Hansen, Pajor, Paralluelo

  • Star striker Ewa Pajor leads the line.

  • ClĂ udia Pina offers an attacking option if Paralluelo does not start.

  • Only Kika Nazareth is absent through injury.

Tactical Breakdown

Midfield Match-Ups

Arsenal will look to control central zones through the disciplined duo of Kim Little and Frida Maanum, while Caldentey offers a creative outlet from deep. For Barcelona, the influential pairing of Aitana BonmatĂ­ and Alexia Putellas are pivotal. Denying them space between the lines will be key.

Wide Areas

Emily Fox and Katie McCabe face one of their toughest tests against the pace and creativity of Paralluelo and Graham Hansen. Arsenal will need coordinated support from wide forwards to manage these threats.

Mariona’s Role

Caldentey’s inclusion in a deeper role could be decisive. Her ability to manipulate space and retain possession under pressure provides Arsenal with a vital link between midfield and attack.

Risk vs Reward

Arsenal are unlikely to sit deep. Slegers’ side will aim to disrupt Barcelona’s rhythm with mid-pressing triggers, particularly when Mapi LeĂłn is in possession. The risk, of course, is leaving space in behind for Barcelona’s front line to exploit.

Quotes from Camp

Renée Slegers (Arsenal head coach):
“We respect them highly. They're technically capable, so it's going to be a new challenge… but when the moment is there, it’s going to be special.”

Katie McCabe:
“We have to respect their strengths but also understand what we have… for the neutral it’ll be a spectacle.”

Pere Romeu (Barcelona head coach):
“When I watch Arsenal, I feel calm and convinced. But as the game gets closer, the nerves arrive.”

Ewa Pajor:
“It’s my dream to win this trophy. We have amazing players and coaches – yes, we can do it.”

Key Stats

  • 44 – Barcelona’s goals in this UWCL campaign (one short of Wolfsburg’s record).

  • 3 – Knockout ties Arsenal have overturned after first-leg deficits.

  • 100 – Barcelona’s 100th match in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

  • 10 – Domestic league titles now won by Barcelona (six consecutive).

Final Thoughts

While Barcelona are statistically dominant and favourites on paper, Arsenal’s journey has been built on resilience, adaptability, and belief. Mariona Caldentey facing her former club adds a personal dimension to a contest already brimming with narrative.

If Arsenal can navigate the midfield battle and strike effectively in transition, they are capable of ending an 18-year European wait. But they will have to withstand the most technically refined and possession-dominant team in the women’s game today.

Prediction

Arsenal 2 – 2 Barcelona (Arsenal win on penalties)

  • Arsenal scorers: Russo, Foord

  • Player of the Match: Mariona Caldentey


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