Foord The Hero As Arsenal Clinch Inaugural Women’s Champions Cup In Thriller
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
The maiden edition of the Women’s Champions Cup delivered a blockbuster finale, offering all the drama, quality and emotion FIFA would have envisioned when launching the inter-continental competition last March.
At a rain-soaked Emirates Stadium, Arsenal edged Brazilian champions Corinthians in a pulsating final that swung relentlessly from one end to the other.
The Gunners eventually emerged victorious after extra time, with Caitlin Foord firing home a decisive 104th-minute winner to seal the historic crown.
Corinthians had looked beaten deep into stoppage time, but a dramatic 96th-minute penalty converted by Vic Albuquerque dragged the contest into extra time at 2–2.
Arsenal, however, refused to be denied, and their persistence paid off when Frida Maanum threaded a perfect pass through to Foord, who calmly finished to secure the silverware.
The celebrations at full-time captured the magnitude of the moment, as Arsenal players lifted the trophy presented by club legend Arsène Wenger.
For a team navigating a challenging domestic campaign, the triumph represented both a statement and a timely morale boost.
“It’s not often you get to write history at Arsenal because history has already been written so many times,” goalscorer Lotte Wubben-Moy told Sky Sports.
“We stand on the shoulders of giants.
To win this inaugural competition with our fans here, in this way, is incredibly special.
Our supporters are wonderful—that’s who we do it for.”
Captain Kim Little echoed those sentiments, highlighting the importance of the occasion.
“It’s a unique experience, being the first Champions Cup. Winning a trophy like this gives us so much to take forward.”
The victory arrives at a crucial point in Arsenal’s season.
Having missed the chance to capitalise on Chelsea’s struggles in the Women’s Super League and suffering a recent League Cup exit to Manchester United, the Champions Cup provided a much-needed lift.
Yet the final was far from straightforward. Corinthians proved stubborn opponents, absorbing pressure and capitalising on key moments.
Arsenal dominated large spells but struggled to put daylight between themselves and the Brazilian champions until extra time.
Manager Renée Slegers, who lifted the UEFA Women’s Champions League with Arsenal last season, praised her side’s mentality.
“It was football in all its forms—quality, duels and momentum shifts,” she said.
“I’m proud of the team. In the rain, under the circumstances, we found a way to win.”
Despite sitting 13 points behind WSL leaders Manchester City, Arsenal will now shift focus to defending their European crown as they prepare to face OH-Leuven in the Champions League last-16 later this month, while also remaining in contention for the FA Cup.
This landmark victory, achieved the hard way, could yet prove the spark that reignites Arsenal’s season.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
