A dramatic extra-time goal by substitute Caitlin Foord saw Arsenal pip Corinthians to the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ following a pulsating contest at Arsenal Stadium.
Earlier in the day, Gotham FC secured third place with a 4-0 victory against ASFAR at the same venue.
FIFA Women’s Champions Cup final
Arsenal Women FC 3-2 SC Corinthians AET
Arsenal Women FC goals: Olivia Smith (15), Lotte Wubben-Moy (58), Caitlin Foord (104)
SC Corinthians goal: Gabi Zanotti (21), Vic Albuquerque pen (90+6)
Teeming rain and a frenetic atmosphere greeted the players as they walked on to the Arsenal Stadium turf, with both sides quickly setting about creating a spectacle. After an end-to-end start, it was Arsenal who struck first. Stina Blackstenius raced in down the right following a slip by Leticia Teles, and while she was denied, Smith was there to lash home the rebound.
Corinthians didn’t take that hit lying down and almost found a quick leveller, as Duda stung the palms of Anneke Borbe from distance. The reprieve wouldn’t last long, however, as the resulting corner found the head of Gabi Zanotti, who forced home her second goal of the tournament.
If the first half started evenly, the second begun with one-way traffic. Arsenal pinned their Brazilian counterparts back and got their reward just before the hour, with Wubben-Moy climbing highest to plant an Emily Fox cross into the bottom corner.
Corinthians almost conjured up a quick response again. Substitute Jhonson was sent in behind Wubben-Moy, but was foiled by a fine save from the leg of Borbe. Arsenal could have made the game safe soon after. Beth Mead had a close-range effort blocked, with Foord smashing the follow-up off the post before Alessia Russo headed over.
Those missed chances would cost the Gunners deep into stoppage time. Katie McCabe’s swipe on Gisela Robledo saw the referee award a penalty following a VAR review. Substitute Albuquerque stepped up and side-footed home a last-gasp leveller.
Extra time would decide the bout and it was the Gunners who edged it. Frida Maanum led a lightning-quick counter and fed fellow second-half introduction Foord, who controlled it down the left and rifled the ball past Leticia to send the game, and the trophy, Arsenal’s way.
Quotes
“It feels good, [even] just to get on the scoresheet in general. As a forward, that’s your job, but to do it in a moment like this is special. I’m happy, It feels good. I just wanted to do my role for the team and obviously that was that tonight. I think it was a great ball from Frida [Maanum] as well to set me up nicely. It’s definitely up there [with best career moments], to score a match-winner is a real nice moment, it’s one I’ll cherish for sure. I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet [becoming intercontinental champions], but it’s nice to write our names in the history books, that’s for sure.”
Caitlin Foord, Arsenal forward
“It’s incredible and [I’m] super-proud of the team getting the win today. It’s great to lift the trophy with the team. It’s special, and it’s obviously incredible to be here at our stadium to lift that trophy with Leah [Williamson]. It’s obviously incredible to win another trophy with this club, and it was so special to win the Champions League with it. This is kind of an addition to that, so that feels quite nice.”
Kim Little, Arsenal midfielder
Awards
Player of the Tournament: Frida Maanum (Arsenal)
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Anneke Borbe (Arsenal)
