The inaugural Women’s Champions Cup showcased the thrilling atmosphere that FIFA envisioned when it introduced this new intercontinental event last March.
Arsenal’s extra-time victory against Brazilian champions Corinthians delivered plenty of excitement, drama, and high-quality play at the Emirates Stadium.
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The match saw momentum shift back and forth, culminating in a last-minute penalty by Corinthians that led to extra time. In the additional period, Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord emerged as the game-winner with a decisive goal in the 104th minute, clinching the prestigious trophy.
The atmosphere at full-time spoke volumes, with Arsenal’s jubilant celebrations upon receiving the trophy from club legend Arsène Wenger highlighting the significance of this victory for a team seeking momentum amidst a difficult domestic season.
“It’s rare to make history at Arsenal, given our club’s rich legacy,” said goalscorer Lotte Wubben-Moy in an interview with Sky Sports following the win. “We build on the achievements of those before us. To win this inaugural competition in front of our amazing fans—who we play for—makes it even more special.”
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Arsenal captain Kim Little added: “This is a one-of-a-kind experience, being the first Champions Cup. Winning today and bringing home a trophy means a lot to us.”
‘It was football in all its ways’
Lotte Wubben-Moy (right) made her Arsenal debut at the age of 16 [Reuters]
For Arsenal, clinching the Champions Cup title comes at a crucial point in their season. After struggling to capitalize on Chelsea’s missteps in the WSL and facing an early exit from the League Cup against Manchester United just weeks prior, this tournament provided a welcome distraction. The victory serves as a morale booster as they head into the season’s latter half.
However, the road to victory was not easy—the final proved challenging against a tenacious Brazilian side.
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While Arsenal controlled significant portions of the match, they struggled to put distance between themselves and Corinthians, who proved dangerous on counterattacks. Their quality shone through in extra time when Frida Maanum set up Foord to secure the win.
“Today’s match exhibited football in all its forms,” stated manager Renee Slegers, who led the team to last season’s Champions League victory. “Every facet of the game was on display—from skillful play to shifts in momentum. I’m proud of how the team battled through the rain and challenging circumstances to earn this victory.”
The Gunners were moments away from sealing the win in regular time, only to see Katie McCabe concede an injury-time penalty, allowing Vic Albuquerque to draw the match at 2-2 and force extra time.
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Little reflected, “We displayed remarkable character and resilience, particularly after conceding that late equalizer. When we entered extra time, we bounced back, created opportunities, and Caitlin scored a fantastic goal to secure the win. We have an incredible squad, and it’s fantastic to add another trophy to the club’s honors.”
Currently sitting 13 points behind WSL leaders Manchester City, the Gunners will now focus on defending their Champions League title against OH-Leuven in the last 16 later this month, while also competing in the FA Cup.
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This victory will undoubtedly uplift both Slegers and her players.
Corinthians Add Flair to Champions Cup
The Champions Cup final at the Emirates Stadium drew an attendance of 25,031 [Getty Images]
Although Corinthians fell short of claiming the trophy, they left an indelible mark, transforming the first-ever Champions Cup into an exhilarating event.
Arriving in London during their off-season and challenging one of the world’s premier teams for the title, the seven-time Brazilian champions return to São Paulo with their heads held high.
Having already made an impressive upset with a 1-0 victory over Gotham FC in the semi-finals, they came agonizingly close to another sensational win in the final.
Despite travel fatigue, a lack of match fitness, and a rain-soaked pitch, their competitiveness never waned as they posed a constant threat to Arsenal’s defense.
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Corinthians displayed remarkable character, rallying back into contention on two separate occasions.
“Corinthians performed brilliantly,” said Slegers. “They infused the match with energy, intensity, passion, and clever play.”
Their devoted supporters also made their presence known among the crowd of 25,031 in north London, echoing the team’s spirit on the pitch.
“Their fans were magnificent,” Wubben-Moy remarked. “With a substantial Brazilian community in London, they came out today. This tournament is about unity, and that’s what we witnessed—an incredible competition with an incredible atmosphere.”
[BBC]
Ben Haines, Ellen White, and Jen Beattie are back for another season of the Women’s Football Weekly podcast. New episodes are released every Tuesday on BBC Sounds, featuring interviews and additional content from the Women’s Super League and beyond.Explore the Women’s Football Weekly feed here.