Matildas star as Arsenal crowned European champions with 1-0 win over Barcelona
The Australian flag has filled the stands and pitch in Lisbon as Arsenal’s Matildas trio became European champions.
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The Australian flag has been proudly waved in the stands and on the pitch in Lisbon as Arsenal’s Matildas trio helped topple the mighty champions Barcelona 1-0 in the Women’s UEFA Champions League title on Saturday.
Barcelona came into the match as overwhelming favourites, as they searched for a fourth title in five years and sought to become the only team, other than Lyon, to win three on the trot.
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But the Catalan side led by two-time Ballon d’Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, who easily dismantled English champions Chelsea in the semis, couldn’t find the back of the net against a steadfast Arsenal defence.
Aussie winger Caitlin Foord was her usual exciting best in attack, causing all sorts of problems for the Barca defenders.
While Steph Catley was a rock at the back as the Gunners shut-out the reigning champions to clinch a memorable victory.
The Matildas pair then celebrated with their fellow international teammate Kyra Cooney-Cross, who was an unused substitute, proudly waving and parading the Australian flag around the Jose Alvalade Stadium.
Arsenal had been on the back foot for most of the game before Swede Stina Blackstenius broke the deadlock in the 75th minute, firing home through a crowd of defenders.
It also broke Arsenal’s 18-year European wasteland, as they lifted the Champions League trophy for the first time since 2007.
It means Arsenal are still the only English club to have won the tournament, despite Sam Kerr coming close with Chelsea.
The Matildas trio now join their fellow Australian Ellie Carpenter – who has won the Champions League with Lyon before – as European champions.
Originally published as Matildas star as Arsenal crowned European champions with 1-0 win over Barcelona
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