Arsenal emerged as the inaugural Women’s Champions Cup champions, thanks to a dramatic extra-time goal from substitute Caitlin Foord, leading them to a 3-2 victory over Brazilian team Corinthians.
The final of this new FIFA club competition took place under heavy rain at the Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal also earned a prize of $2.3 million (£1.67 million).
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Corinthians’ captain Gabi Zanotti equalized Olivia Smith’s 15th-minute goal in the first half, but Lotte Wubben-Moy restored Arsenal’s lead shortly after the break with a header. Just when it looked like Arsenal would secure the win, they conceded a stoppage-time penalty, converted by Vic Albuquerque, which pushed the game into extra time.
Vic Albuquerque scored a stoppage-time penalty to force extra time (Getty Images)
However, celebrations were tempered when Arsenal goalkeeper Anneke Borbe suffered an injury following a collision late in the second period of extra time and was stretchered off after receiving treatment.
Corinthians’ keeper Leticia managed to parry a close-range shot from Stina Blackstenius but was unable to stop Smith’s opening goal, which came after the rebound landed perfectly for the Canadian international.
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The visitors equalized from a corner in the 21st minute, with Zanotti’s header bouncing off Kim Little before the referee confirmed the ball had crossed the line amidst a goalmouth scramble.
Arsenal regained the lead in the 58th minute when Wubben-Moy met Emily Fox’s cross with a powerful header, sending the ball past Leticia.
Lotte Wubben Moy celebrates Arsenal’s second goal (John Walton/PA Wire)
Just when it seemed the trophy presentation was near, Katie McCabe gave away a penalty—confirmed by VAR—for a foul on Gisela Robledo from behind. Albuquerque stepped up again, scoring straight down the middle to even the score once more.
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In the early stages of extra time, both teams had opportunities, but it was Arsenal who finally capitalized on a counter-attack initiated by Maanum, who surged through the midfield to set up Foord, who cunningly outsmarted Leticia and slotted home the winning goal near the post.