Arsenal women team go face Barcelona for Women’s Champions League this week. Na the first time the two teams go meet since 2025 final wey Arsenal win 1-0 for Lisbon. Renee Slegers na Arsenal manager, and she talk say that final na one of her proudest moments, and the performance get plenty facets. But she talk say dem don study Barcelona and dem dey for here and now, say na new game and new moment.
For that 2025 final, Arsenal na heavy underdogs. Barcelona dey aim for third Champions League title in a row, and dem get Ballon d'Or winners Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati for midfield. Arsenal don ship 13 goals in their last three WSL games before the final, and Aston Villa and Brighton thrash dem. But form no mean anything for one-off game, especially final.
Arsenal need big performances from everybody, and na wetin happen. Leah Williamson be rock for centre-back, Emily Fox handle Putellas, Claudia Pina and Fridolina Rolfo well, and Kim Little shine for midfield. Arsenal overload the central area to stop Barcelona from their usual passing play, forcing dem wide. Every time the ball move, Arsenal press, closing down spaces. Barcelona get 20 shots but Arsenal keep dem all out with calmness and good decisions. One key moment na when Williamson deny Ewa Pajor for one-vs-one wey for don result in goal.
Now, Slegers dey under pressure to produce results after another struggling start to the season. Arsenal dey six points behind top three for WSL, and 12 points from leaders Manchester City. The Dutchwoman need something to kickstart Arsenal campaign – a big win to remind everybody who this team be. This match against Barcelona fit be the perfect opportunity.
