As the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon gets ready for the 2025 UEFA Women’s Champions League final on May 24, FC Barcelona Femení seeks their third straight title and fourth in five years, facing Arsenal Women in their first final in 18 years.
The upcoming UEFA Women’s Champions League final between two historically significant teams is set to be an exhilarating showdown. Fans can look forward to witnessing Barcelona’s dynamic attacking style pitted against Arsenal’s unwavering resilience. This match promises to be a monumental occasion for women’s football, filled with excitement and unforgettable moments.
A Historic Rivalry Rekindled
The paths of Barça Femení and Arsenal Women have crossed sparingly but significantly. Their first encounter in the 2012/13 Champions League round of 32 saw Arsenal dismantle a fledgling Barcelona side 7-0 on aggregate (3-0 away, 4-0 home). Fast forward to the 2021/22 group stage, and the tables had turned dramatically. Barça, now champions and a dominant force, crushed Arsenal 4-1 at home and 4-0 away, showcasing their evolution into a European juggernaut.
This final marks Barcelona’s 100th Champions League match, a milestone that underscores their rapid rise since their European debut against Arsenal in 2012. For Arsenal, it’s a chance to reclaim glory last tasted in 2006/07, when they upset Umeå to become England’s only Women’s Champions League winners. The Gunners’ journey to Lisbon—through 15 matches, including qualifications, with comebacks against Häcken, Real Madrid and Lyon—highlights their tenacity, making this a matchup where history and ambition collide.
Tactical Chessboard: Barça’s Flair vs. Arsenal’s Resolve
Under coach Pere Romeu, Barça Femení has continued its tradition of fluid, possession-based football, blending technical mastery with ruthless finishing. Since a 2-0 loss to Manchester City on Matchday 1, they’ve been unstoppable, winning nine consecutive games and scoring 44 goals, just one shy of the single-season record held by Wolfsburg, UWCL winners of 2013/2014. Their 10-2 aggregate demolition of Wolfsburg in the quarter-finals and 8-2 rout of Chelsea in the semi-finals underline their attacking prowess.
The trio of Aitana Bonmatí, Patricia Guijarro and Alexia Putellas remains the heartbeat of this side. Bonmatí, now Barcelona’s all-time leading Champions League scorer with 26 goals, orchestrates play with vision and precision. Graham Hansen’s wing play and Putellas’ clutch moments—evidenced by her goal in last season’s final against Lyon—make them a nightmare for defences. Add Ewa Pajor, Clàudia Pina (10 goals – leading goal scorer in the competition), and Salma Paralluelo, and Barça’s attack is a multi-pronged threat. Defensively, Irene Paredes and Mapi León provide a formidable shield, with young Vicky López, just 18, adding dynamism from the bench.
Arsenal, led by Renée Slegers, have embraced a pragmatic yet dynamic approach since her appointment in October 2024. After a 5-2 loss to Bayern München, Slegers transformed the Gunners into a comeback machine, overturning deficits against Real Madrid and Lyon in the process. Her tactical masterstroke—moving Steph Catley from left-back to central defence alongside Leah Williamson—has bolstered their backline, allowing full-backs Katie McCabe and Emily Fox to push forward.
In midfield, Kim Little’s experience and composure anchor Arsenal, while Mariona Caldentey, a three-time Champions League winner with Barça, brings insider knowledge. Caldentey’s shift to a deeper role alongside Little has been pivotal, though she’ll face a stern test from her former teammate Patri Guijarro. Up top, Alessia Russo (seven goals in the competition) leads the line, supported by wingers Caitlin Foord, Chloe Kelly or Beth Mead, with Frida Maanum pulling strings as the No. 10. Arsenal’s ability to absorb pressure and counter swiftly will be key against Barça’s high press.
Key Battles to Watch
- Mariona Caldentey vs. Patri Guijarro: Caldentey’s familiarity with Barça’s system could give Arsenal an edge, but Guijarro’s relentless pressing and ball-winning ability will aim to neutralise her Spain teammate. This midfield duel could dictate the game’s tempo
- Aitana Bonmatí vs. Kim Little: Bonmatí’s ability to unlock defences will meet Little’s knack for maintaining structure. The veteran Scot’s experience in big moments could be Arsenal’s trump card against Barça’s talisman
- Caroline Graham Hansen vs. Katie McCabe: Hansen’s flair on the right will test McCabe’s defensive discipline. The Irish star’s tenacity and overlapping runs could, in turn, exploit any gaps left by Barça’s attacking full-backs
The Golden Boot Race: Pina, Caldentey, and Russo in the Spotlight
Adding spice to the final is the battle for the Champions League Golden Boot, with Clàudia Pina leading the charge with 10 goals. The Barça forward has been a revelation, netting 5 goals in the knockout stages alone, including three goals against Chelsea in the semi-finals – two in the first leg and another one in the second leg. Her clinical finishing and knack for decisive moments make her the frontrunner to claim the top scorer crown.
Hot on her heels are Arsenal’s duo, Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo, each with seven goals. Caldentey, facing her former club, has thrived in a deeper role, scoring crucial goals against Real Madrid and Lyon. Russo, Arsenal’s leading light up top, has been equally lethal, with her goal and assist against Lyon sealing their final berth. A standout performance from either could not only swing the final but also snatch the Golden Boot from Pina’s grasp.
The Road to Lisbon
Barça’s path to the final has been a masterclass in dominance. After their early stumble against City, they cruised through the group stage, topping it with a 3-0 win over City in the return leg. Their knockout stage performances—dispatching Wolfsburg and Chelsea with ease—cemented their status as favourites.
Arsenal’s journey, however, is a tale of grit. Starting in round one against Rangers, they navigated 15 matches, a record in this format. Overcoming a 5-2 defeat to Bayern, they topped their group and staged stunning comebacks: a 3-0 win over Real Madrid after a 2-0 first-leg loss and a 4-1 thrashing of Lyon in France after trailing 2-1 in the first leg. Caldentey and Russo’s goals against Lyon, coupled with Slegers’ tactical nous, have made Arsenal a dangerous underdog.
Voices from the Camp via UEFA.
Ewa Pajor, Barça’s prolific striker, emphasised a focused approach: “It’s always tough. I’ve played in four finals, and this will be my fifth. We have to be prepared, to be focused, and I hope we win this trophy like a team, because we have amazing, amazing players, amazing coaches,, and, yes, we can do it.”
Katie McCabe, Arsenal defender stated – “They’ve got so much quality. They’ve won it, they have the experience of that, so we have to respect that, but we also need to understand what we have as well and how good we can be going forward, how we control the tempo of games. I’m just so excited to hopefully walk out in front of a packed stadium and the Arsenal end cheering us on.”
“I’m a pretty calm guy, and I’m going to enjoy the final,” Pere Romeu says as he prepares for the UEFA Women’s Champions League final against Arsenal by watching lots of Arsenal games to see what arsenal does and the most important players for their team. Slegers, meanwhile, issued a bold challenge: “We see what Barcelona have done in the league and in the Champions League, and they’ve done it over time as well. But we never go and play a game not believing that we can beat the opposition, otherwise there’s no point.” Her confidence reflects Arsenal’s transformation from a side in turmoil to one ready to challenge the world’s best.
The Stakes and the Stage
For Barça, a win would cement their dynasty, matching Lyon’s record of three consecutive titles and reinforcing their status as Europe’s preeminent force. A loss, however, would be a rare setback for a team that has reached five straight finals. Arsenal, the underdogs, carry the hopes of ending England’s 18-year drought in the competition. Victory would cap a remarkable turnaround under Slegers and elevate their status in the global game.
Prediction: A Tight Affair
Barcelona’s firepower and experience make them favourites, but Arsenal’s resilience and tactical discipline under Slegers suggest they won’t go down easily. Expect Barça to dominate possession, but Arsenal’s counter-attacking threat, led by Russo and Caldentey, could exploit transitions. The game may hinge on a moment of brilliance, likely from Bonmatí or a set-piece goal from Arsenal.
Scoreline Prediction: Barcelona 3-1 Arsenal. Barça’s depth and clinical edge should prevail, but Arsenal will leave their mark with a spirited display
Where to Watch
The final kicks off at 6:00 PM CET (5:00 PM BST) on May 24, broadcast live and free on DAZN’s streaming platform and YouTube channel throughout the world, with the exception of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) – where rights sit with beIN MENA – and China and its territories.
As Lisbon braces for this epic encounter, one thing is certain: whether it’s Barça’s blaugrana brilliance or Arsenal’s gritty resolve, the 2025 UEFA Women’s Champions League final will be a celebration of the beautiful game.
More articles
Arsenal v Barça, UWCL final key stats and info
Fernando Signorini: “If Messi had been Brazilian and Neymar Argentine, we would say Neymar is better”
“Other teams demand results; at Barcelona, they also demand a style of play”