English football has written a new chapter since last month. The Lionesses crushed Portugal in the Nations League championship, while the lady Gunners waved the red-white banner on their way back from Lisbon. The latter victory is particularly historical, as the trophy is returning to England after nearly two decades.
Victory at All Cost
Among all English teams, only Arsenal had ever claimed the Women’s Champions League title before, under coach Vic Akers in 2007. In a remarkable turnaround, 36-year-old Dutch coach Renée Sleger has made it happen again through her calm resolve and tactical guidance. Arsenal Women have finally achieved their long-awaited Champions League victory, clinching the title over defending champions FC Barcelona on May 24. Ending an 18-year trophy drought, they lifted their second Champions League title—previously known as the UEFA Women’s Cup. Throughout the campaign, Arsenal’s dominance was undeniable, securing four clean sheets while winning every tie en route to the title and boasting two of the tournament’s top goal scorers, Alessia Russo and Mariona Caldentey.
Despite Barcelona’s early pressure and commanding possession, Arsenal held firm in a disciplined defensive display. Barcelona’s skipper attempted several first-half attacks but lacked clinical finishing. Renée Sleger adjusted the game plan to increase the tempo in the second half. Barcelona paid for their missed chances as Arsenal’s opportunistic precision settled the final. Stina Blackstenius converted from a meticulous set-piece after 74 minutes. “As a club competition, it’s the ultimate, and it’s always such a different feeling playing in the Champions League compared to the domestic game. It’s a special competition, and we’re proud as a club to have won it,” captain Kim Little told UEFA.
Continental Dominance
German and French sides have long dominated the Women’s Champions League. Season by season, Lyon, Frankfurt, and Wolfsburg have taken turns at the top. Olympique Lyonnais, with a streak of five consecutive titles from 2016, boasts a total of eight trophies. German giants Eintracht Frankfurt have secured four, while VfL Wolfsburg, Turbine Potsdam, and FCR Duisburg have combined for five. Swedish team Umeå claimed the first two titles and remained a fierce competitor. In recent years, Barcelona Femení has disrupted this dominance, winning three times since 2021.
Arsenal is now the only English club to reach two Champions League finals. Since the tournament’s inception in 2001-02, five English teams have appeared: Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Birmingham City, and Everton. Apart from Arsenal, only Chelsea secured a place in the final during the 2020-21 season. Arsenal, having won 15 English titles as the most successful English club, had struggled terribly on the continental stage until now.
Reviving the Legacy
Who knew that belief would prove so impactful? That’s precisely what Sleger instilled in her team during training sessions. Once a trainee in Arsenal’s academy in 2007, when the club lifted its maiden Champions League trophy against Umeå, she has now come full circle as head coach.
Sleger, who also represented her country at Euro 2013, was initially brought in as a temporary replacement for Jonas Eidevall. But she has proven to be much more than a stand-in—she has made history repeat itself. With an intimate understanding of the club’s tactical philosophy, Sleger, just a year older than captain Kim Little, made only minimal modifications to Eidevall’s blueprint. Instead, she focused on the psychological aspects, instilling confidence and belief in her players. Under her leadership, Arsenal has recorded 17 victories in 20 matches. Substituting Blackstenius after 67 minutes proved one of her wisest moves. Before the match, she initiated a defensive drill to form a shield against Barcelona’s relentless midfield. “I was with the club in 2007, so I’ve got a good idea about how far we’ve come. I’m just a very small part of this. I want to say thanks to everyone. When you achieve things together, it’s so much better,” Sleger said. For her, this is just the beginning—she expects many more triumphs to come.
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