Caitlin Ford’s extra-time goal secured Arsenal their first ever Women’s Champions Cup trophy in a stunning 3-2 thrilling game against Corinthians at the Emirates.
Olivia Smith’s opening goal was canceled out by Gabi Ginotti’s equalizer in the first half, but Lotte Uben-Moy’s header restored Arsenal’s lead in the second half.
However, Corinthians’ Vic Albekerke scored a last-gasp penalty to send the game into extra time after the referee was sent to a screen by VAR for a foul on Katie McCabe, before Ford scored the winning goal.
With this victory, Arsenal became the Champions Cup winners and took home a whopping £1.7 million, the highest prize money in women’s football history.
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The ball falls perfectly to Olivia Smith to give Arsenal the lead over Corinthians in the Women’s Champions Cup final.
Smith took the lead 15 minutes later, riding on a rebound from Stina Blackstenius and slotting past Lele for Corinthians’ goal. However, Corinthians equalized almost instantly. Duda Sampaio hit a pilldriver from long range, Anneke Borbe made a great save and the ensuing corner kick resulted in a melee on the goal line before Gabi Ginotti easily slotted home from close range.
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Lotte Uben-Moy scores a header to give Arsenal their second goal and the lead.
With a total of 77% possession and 12 shots on goal in the first half, Arsenal’s pressure finally felt when centre-back Lotte Uben-Moy met Emily Fox’s looping cross. Her perfectly placed bullet header restored her team’s lead at the one-hour mark, a move that saw Smith suffer a match-ending injury.
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Gabi Zanotti scores an upset equalizer for Corinthians in the Women’s Champions Cup final against Arsenal
Corinthians’ chance was wasted when 20-year-old substitute Johnson was denied a clean through to the keeper by Borbe, but it was the Gunners who had the better chance of scoring. After 75 minutes, Ford’s deflected shot rattled the post and almost ended the game.
A one-goal lead looked like it would be enough to send the Gunners home, but Katie McCabe kicked Gisela Robredo, forcing VAR to intervene, and Victoria Albecaque leveled the score with an incredible last-gasp penalty.
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Albuquerque scores the equalizer with a spot goal, sending Corinthians into overtime against the Emirates.
Buoyed by a late equalizer, Corinthians took control and early chances from Vitoria and Fuso almost turned the game over, but it was Fold who had the last laugh when he scored under Lele after 104 minutes, clinching Arsenal’s silver medal with his first goal since September.
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Ford scores third goal in Women’s Champions Cup final between Arsenal and Corinthians
The final whistle came after a 10-minute stoppage due to a serious injury to Anneke Borbe, but in the end, to a roar from the Emirates crowd, Arsenal were crowned world champions on their home soil and claimed their second international silver medal, alongside winning the Women’s Champions League last May.
Sleggers: I’m proud to have crossed the line.
Arsenal manager Rene Sleggers:
“I think we were in control in the first half.
“They played low, we played low, but in the second half, that’s how football is played.
“Corinthians showed a great performance with passion, intelligence and aggression.
“After the penalty we had to regain control, but I’m very proud of the players who found a way to get over the line and win the trophy.”
“We took the lead in the first half of overtime and had to maintain the lead in the second half. I’m glad we were able to do that.”
Ubben Moy: I want more silverware.
Arsenal defender Lotte Uben-Moy:
“It’s not often that you make history with Arsenal. To win in front of the fans, for the first time in history, that’s what we’re doing.
“That’s what this tournament is about: bringing people together to compete at the highest level.
“It’s great to get your first piece of silverware, but we want more.”
