Arsenal win inaugural women’s champions cup after extra-time thriller against Corinthians

Arsenal lifted the first Women’s Champions Cup after a dramatic extra-time victory over Brazilian champions Corinthians, delivering the type of high-stakes spectacle FIFA envisaged when it launched the new intercontinental competition, Sport360NG reports.

The final at the Emirates Stadium swung repeatedly in momentum, with Corinthians forcing extra time through a 96th-minute penalty before Arsenal winger Caitlin Foord struck the decisive goal in the 104th minute to seal the trophy.

Arsenal’s celebrations at full time reflected the significance of the moment, with the trophy presented by club legend Arsène Wenger. For a side enduring an uneven domestic campaign, the triumph offered both silverware and renewed belief.

“It’s not often you can write history at Arsenal because so much has already been written,” defender Lotte Wubben-Moy told Sky Sports. “To win the inaugural competition in front of our fans makes it incredibly special.”

Captain Kim Little echoed those sentiments, describing the occasion as “a unique experience” and adding that the team would take confidence from claiming the first edition of the tournament.

Timely boost for Arsenal

The Champions Cup success arrives at a pivotal point in Arsenal’s season. Having failed to fully capitalise on a stuttering Women’s Super League campaign by Chelsea and exiting the League Cup earlier this month, the competition provided a timely lift.

Arsenal controlled long periods of the final but struggled to shake off a disciplined Corinthians side. They appeared set for victory in regulation time until Katie McCabe conceded a stoppage-time penalty, converted by Vic Albuquerque to make it 2-2.

Manager Renee Slegers praised her side’s response in extra time. “It was football in all its ways,” she said. “There were momentum shifts, duels and quality. I’m proud of the team for finding a way to win.”

Little highlighted the resilience shown after the late setback. “Conceding so late is tough, but we responded in extra time, created chances and Caitlin finished it brilliantly,” she said.

Despite sitting 13 points behind league leaders Manchester City in the WSL, Arsenal now turn their attention to defending their European crown, with a last-16 tie against OH Leuven later this month, while remaining in contention in the FA Cup.

Corinthians leave lasting impression

Corinthians may have missed out on the trophy, but they played a major role in turning the competition’s first edition into a memorable event. Arriving in London during their off-season, the seven-time Brazilian champions pushed one of Europe’s elite sides to the limit.

After upsetting Gotham FC in the semi-final, the São Paulo club again demonstrated their quality, recovering twice in the final and posing a consistent threat on the counter despite fatigue, limited match sharpness and heavy rain.

“They brought energy, intensity and intelligence,” Slegers said of the Brazilian side.

Their travelling supporters were equally impressive, contributing to an atmosphere generated by a crowd of 25,031 in north London. Wubben-Moy described them as “magnificent,” adding that the tournament had succeeded in bringing different football cultures together.

For Arsenal, the night ended with a piece of history. For the Women’s Champions Cup, it began with a final that set a high benchmark for editions to come.