In a thrilling finale on Sunday, Arsenal Women’s team claimed the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, overcoming Corinthians in a match that went into extra time, thanks to a decisive goal from Caitlin Foord.
The action kicked off in the 15th minute when Arsenal took the lead. Alessia Russo’s intended pass to Stina Blackstenius was intercepted, but the ensuing turmoil granted Blackstenius an unexpected opportunity. She maneuvered into the box from the right wing and fired a shot that was initially saved by Corinthians’ goalkeeper, Lele. However, the rebound fell right into the path of Olivia Smith, who made a perfectly timed run to slot the ball into the net, giving Arsenal an early advantage.
Response from Corinthians
Corinthians leveled the score in the 21st minute, capitalizing on a well-executed set piece. Andress Alves sent a curling corner into the box where Gabi Zanotti jumped to connect, sending the ball past goalkeeper Anneke Borbe. While Borbe quickly attempted to clear the ball, goal-line technology confirmed that the ball had crossed the line, marking Zanotti’s second goal of the tournament after her earlier performance against Gotham FC.
Arsenal Regains Momentum
Arsenal regained the lead in the 59th minute through a determined effort from Lotte Wubben-Moy. The sequence started with Katie McCabe delivering a dangerous cross into the area. Though Corinthians attempted to clear the danger, Frida Maanum seized on the loose ball just outside the box. She delivered it to Emily Fox, who wasted no time in sending a pinpoint cross back into the penalty area. Wubben-Moy rose high above the defense to head the ball home, restoring Arsenal’s 2-1 lead.
Dramatic Equalizer
Just as the Gunners looked set to clinch the title, a foul by McCabe on Gisela Robledo in the box led to a penalty for Corinthians following a lengthy VAR review. Victoria confidently converted the penalty in the sixth minute of stoppage time, forcing the match into extra time despite a lackluster second-half performance from her team.
Decisive Moments in Extra Time
The game reached its decisive moment in the 104th minute when Arsenal struck again. Maanum intercepted the ball in her half and surged forward with two teammates in support. Choosing to distribute to Caitlin Foord, Maanum sent her teammate into the box. Foord skillfully maneuvered closer to goal and slotted the ball into the net from an acute angle, putting Arsenal back in front and securing their victory.
Injury Concerns for Arsenal
Arsenal’s triumph wasn’t without its challenges; goalkeeper Borbe had to leave the field in the closing moments after being substituted for concussion protocol, with Daphne van Domselaar stepping in to complete the match.
This victory marks a significant achievement for Arsenal, representing their first trophy of the season and complementing their recent UEFA Champions League title win from May.
Gotham FC Seizes Third Place
Earlier that day, Gotham FC triumphed over AS FAR of Morocco in the third-place match, winning 4-0. The match saw Khyah Harper combine with Lily Reale, the 2025 NWSL Rookie of the Year, to score the opening goal in the 27th minute. By the 48th minute, Savannah McCaskill, Jaedyn Shaw, and Midge Purce contributed to the scoreline, showcasing Gotham’s ability to capitalize on opportunities after a disappointing prior match against Corinthians.
Shaw reflected on their performance, emphasizing the importance of refining their finishing touches, “this is our preseason, and although we didn’t secure the desired result, we played well and created promising spaces.” Gotham now looks ahead to their NWSL season opener against Boston Legacy on March 14.
