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The 2025 UEFA Women’s Champions League Final is set to be a thrilling encounter between Arsenal Women and Barcelona Women. The match will take place on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00 CET. This iconic stadium, home to Sporting CP, has previously hosted significant European fixtures and is poised to provide a fitting backdrop for this monumental clash.
Recent Forms
Arsenal women’s Last 5 Matches
- May 10, 2025: Triumphed 4-3 Manchester Women in the WSL
- May 05, 2025: Lost 4-2 against Brighton women away from home in the WSL
- March 30, 2025: Lost 5-2 to Aston villa women in the WSL
- April 28, 2025: Secured a 4-1 victory against Lyon Women in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
- April 19, 2025: Faced a 1-2 defeat to Lyon Women in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Barcelona Women’s Last 5 Matches
Barcelona Women have been in formidable form, showcasing their dominance across competitions:
- May 18, 2025: Defeated Athletic Bilbao Women 6-0 in Liga F.
- May 11, 2025: Triumphed over Real Betis Women away from home 9-0 in Liga F
- May 04 2025: Defeated Deportivo Abanca Women 4-0 in Liga F
- May 01, 2025: Dominated Levante Women with a 2-0 win in Liga F.
- April 27, 2025: Secured a 4-1 victory against Lyon Women in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Barcelona’s recent performances underscore their attacking flair and defensive solidity, making them a formidable opponent.
Team Momentum and Key Performance
Arsenal’s journey to the final has been marked by significant victories, particularly their emphatic win over Lyon, showcasing their potential to challenge Europe’s elite. Key players like Alessia Russo have been instrumental, contributing crucial goals and performances.
Barcelona, on the other hand, have maintained a consistent winning streak, with standout performances from players like Alexia Putellas, who has made a remarkable comeback from injury, contributing 22 goals and 16 assists this season.
Head-to-Head Stats
Historical Meetings
Arsenal Women and Barcelona Women have faced each other multiple times in European competitions, with Barcelona holding the upper hand in recent encounters:
- December 9, 2021: Arsenal 0-4 Barcelona (UEFA Women’s Champions League)
- October 5, 2021: Barcelona 4-1 Arsenal (UEFA Women’s Champions League)
- August 14, 2019: Arsenal 2-5 Barcelona (Club Friendly)
- April 10, 2012: Arsenal 4-0 Barcelona (UEFA Women’s Champions League)
- September 26, 2012: Barcelona 0-3 Arsenal (UEFA Women’s Champions League)
These results indicate Barcelona’s recent dominance in this fixture.
Key Players to Watch
Arsenal’s Star Performers
- Alessia Russo: Since joining Arsenal in 2023, Russo has become a pivotal figure in their attack, known for her goal-scoring abilities and clutch performances.
- Caitlin Foord: An experienced forward, Foord has consistently delivered for Arsenal, including a four-goal haul against Rangers in a Champions League qualifier.
- Katie McCabe: A versatile player, McCabe’s leadership and tenacity have been likened to Roy Keane, making her a crucial component in both defense and attack.
- Leah Williamson: As Arsenal’s captain, Williamson’s defensive acumen and leadership qualities are vital to the team’s structure and resilience.
Tactical Analysis
Likely Formations
- Arsenal Women (4-2-3-1):
Arsenal will likely stick to their trusted 4-2-3-1 formation. It allows them to be compact defensively while offering flexibility in attack. Leah Williamson and Rafaelle Souza are expected to hold the central defense, while Katie McCabe and Noëlle Maritz patrol the flanks. Kim Little and Lia Wälti might sit deep to shield the defense, while Caitlin Foord, Beth Mead, and Katie McCabe (if not used in defense) provide width and pace. Alessia Russo will lead the line with her usual flair and physical presence. - Barcelona Women (4-3-3):
Barcelona will stick to their aggressive, high-possession 4-3-3 formation, aiming to dominate the midfield and break through with short passes and movement. Alexia Putellas will serve as the advanced playmaker, flanked by Bonmatí and Patri Guijarro in midfield. Caroline Graham Hansen and Clàudia Pina will operate from the wings, stretching Arsenal’s defense and creating room for the central striker, most likely Salma Paralluelo or Asisat Oshoala.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Arsenal’s Strengths:
- Strong leadership from Leah Williamson and Kim Little.
- Dangerous on counter-attacks, especially when using wide players like Foord and Mead.
- Versatility in attack, with midfielders and defenders capable of joining forward moves.
- Arsenal’s Weaknesses:
- Vulnerable when pressed high, especially from teams that dominate possession like Barcelona.
- Inconsistencies in goalkeeping performances this season.
- Struggle to retain control in high-stakes matches against top European sides.
- Barcelona’s Strengths:
- Can be exposed by quick, direct counter-attacks.
- Occasionally leave space behind the full-backs due to aggressive overlapping runs.
- Susceptible to physical play, especially from Premier League-style pressing.
- Barcelona’s Weaknesses:
- Can be exposed by quick, direct counter-attacks.
- Occasionally leave space behind the full-backs due to aggressive overlapping runs.
- Susceptible to physical play, especially from Premier League-style pressing.
Injury & Suspension Updates
Arsenal’s Squad Updates
Arsenal has had several injury setbacks this season. However, most of their key players are expected to be fit for the final:
- Out:
- Vivianne Miedema (ACL recovery, unlikely to start but might make the bench)
- Laura Wienroither (out for the season)
- Doubtful:
- Steph Catley (minor knock but expected to recover in time)
- Available:
- Leah Williamson, who recently returned from injury, is back to full fitness and has regained her match sharpness.
Barcelona’s Squad Updates
- Out:
- None confirmed at the time of writing.
- Available:
- Alexia Putellas is fit and has regained form, a huge boost for the team.
- Asisat Oshoala has recovered from a mid-season injury and could feature in the final.
Having nearly a full squad available gives Barcelona an edge in terms of selection depth and in-game flexibility.
Predictions & Expected Outcomes
Possible Scorelines
This final is likely to be closely contested, with both teams bringing different strengths to the table. Arsenal’s determination and direct play could unsettle Barcelona, while the Catalan side’s technical dominance and composure in big matches provide a significant advantage.
Possible outcomes:
- Barcelona 2-1 Arsenal – Most pundits lean toward this scoreline, citing Barcelona’s experience and midfield control.
- Arsenal 3-2 Barcelona (AET) – A potential upset scenario if Arsenal can execute quick transitions and capitalize on defensive gaps.
- Draw 1-1, Barcelona win on penalties – If Arsenal keep it tight defensively, it could come down to nerves in a shootout.
Fan & Media Sentiment
Buzz Around the Match
The buildup to this final has generated massive excitement across Europe:
- Arsenal fans are energized by the team’s recent European performances, particularly their win over Lyon. The resurgence of players like Russo and Williamson has given hope that they can challenge Barcelona’s supremacy.
- Barcelona supporters, meanwhile, are confident and vocal about maintaining their dominance. The return of Alexia Putellas has fueled optimism, and the team’s recent goal-filled performances have set expectations high.
- Media outlets are billing this as a “clash of styles,” with Arsenal’s direct, high-energy approach set against Barcelona’s tactical finesse. The storyline of redemption for Arsenal and legacy-building for Barcelona adds further drama to the narrative.
Conclusion
This showdown between Arsenal Women and Barcelona Women in Lisbon isn’t just a match—it’s a moment. A battle between one of England’s most storied clubs and Spain’s reigning queens of football. Arsenal comes in hungry, ambitious, and with something to prove. Barcelona arrives confident, composed, and driven by legacy.
Whether it ends in English redemption or Catalan coronation, one thing is certain: football fans are in for a spectacle.
Where can I watch the 2025 UEFA Women’s Champions League Final?
The match will be broadcast live on DAZN and UEFA.tv. Check local listings for coverage.
How many Champions League titles have Arsenal Women won?
hey have won the title once, in 2007.
Who is the top scorer for each team this season?
For Arsenal, it’s Alessia Russo; for Barcelona, Alexia Putellas leads with 22 goals.
Who are the favorites to win the final?
Barcelona are the favorites due to their recent form and head-to-head record, but Arsenal are strong underdogs with potential to upset.