Arsenal claimed the title of the first-ever Women’s Champions Cup after a thrilling 3-2 extra-time victory against Brazil’s Corinthians, with substitute Caitlin Foord netting the decisive goal.
The final of this new FIFA club competition took place in heavy rain at the Emirates Stadium, where the Gunners also secured $2.3 million (£1.67m) in prize money.
After Olivia Smith opened the scoring for Arsenal in the 15th minute, Corinthians’ captain Gabi Zanotti equalized in the first half. Arsenal regained the lead after the break when Lotte Wubben-Moy nodded a goal home.
Just when it seemed Arsenal would secure the win, they conceded a stoppage-time penalty, which Vic Albuquerque converted, sending the match into extra time.
Unfortunately, celebrations were muted as Arsenal goalkeeper Anneke Borbe was injured in a collision late in the second period of extra time and was carried off on a stretcher following a lengthy delay for treatment.
Corinthians goalkeeper Letícia made a critical save against Stina Blackstenius, but couldn’t stop Smith’s initial strike, which she converted after the rebound fell into her path.
Corinthians equalized through Zanotti in the 21st minute, as her header off a corner caused a scramble before the referee confirmed that the ball crossed the line.
Arsenal regained the lead when Wubben-Moy connected with Emily Fox’s cross in the 58th minute, placing it past Letícia.
Just as the trophy presentation seemed imminent, Katie McCabe gave away a penalty for a foul on Gisela Robledo, confirmed by VAR.
Albuquerque converted the penalty to equalize, sending the match into extra time.
In a positive counter-attack initiated by Maanum, Arsenal struck the winning goal as Foord outwitted Letícia and slotted it in at the near post.
Earlier in the day, Gotham FC triumphed over ASFAR 4-0 in the third-place match. Khyah Harper, starting after her impressive semifinal performance, opened the scoring in the 27th minute.
Gotham doubled their lead with a goal by Savannah McCaskill, followed by Jaedyn Shaw converting a penalty to take it to 3-0 before halftime. Midge Purce capped the scoring with a goal in the 48th minute.
Information from PA and The Associated Press contributed to this recap.