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00:00Just an extra word to Itanobor Mati, Sandra Cephalin, she really feels it, you can see on her face, she tried and she tried, she was so present from start to finish, but couldn't see Barcelona over the line.
00:23So here we go. 4th of September was when Arsenal's journey started in the competition, a 6-0 win over Rangers in their first qualifying game.
00:35A change of manager, a season of highs and lows, but the biggest high of them all is this moment.
00:41Renee Slagers, who was just leaving the Arsenal Academy in 2007 after one season spent there when they last won 18 years ago.
00:53And she has now etched her name into the history books. There is no one way to do it, it's not the most conventional route for Renee Slagers.
01:04But boy, did she do it. We have to give her as much credit as possible. I think Karen and Farah summed it up really, really well.
01:14She took this team in a really, really difficult stage of the season and has completely turned it around.
01:19And not only that, in one of the most intense games tonight, made tactical decisions that benefited the game so much.
01:26Blackstinius, Beth Mead coming off the bench, completely changed the game. And that is a tactical decision when the game's exposed.
01:33Open more, bring on your players that can go and make the most of it. And that's exactly what she did.
01:37Lotta Wubamoy runs her fingers through. The ribbons on the trophy. Chloe Kelly steps up and kisses it.
01:44A rollercoaster season, not just for Arsenal, but Chloe Kelly, who cannot quite believe it.
01:49She's walked onto the podium with her arms widespread. And then two of the biggest voices in the team.
01:57A huge smile on the face of the captain, Kim Little. And Leah Williamson, the England captain who has a huge summer ahead of her.
02:07That has topped off her domestic season in the best way possible. And what a boost that is to England heading out to the Euros.
02:15Huge. And what a team they are, I will say. The last to go up, Leah Williamson and Kim Little, part of the leadership group at Arsenal,
02:22really have pushed and pushed all the staff behind the scenes to grow as a team, to develop, to invest more.
02:29They've been the catalyst behind that. And it's unbelievable to see them in this moment going and lifting this trophy.
02:35But those two right there, back of the shirts, Little, Williamson, so key off the pitch and on for Arsenal women.
02:41And their own special histories with this tournament. 18 years on from when Leah Williamson led the team out in 2007.
02:51And Kim Little makes her way over. They hold it together against the odds for the second time in their history.
02:59And the Arsenal are champions of Europe.
03:09They did it the hard way. 15 games. The first team to go all the way through qualifying and to reach a final.
03:19And have made their own history by winning it.
03:26They've done it the Arsenal way. And it is theirs again. 18 years on.
03:33The only team in England to win the Champions League. And now they have done it twice.
03:45And each and every player will have their special moments with this very special trophy.
03:51It was the greatest challenge of them all. The reigning champions and three-time winners defeated. Arsenal triumphant. They are the champions.
04:16A 1-0 win here in Lisbon. Super substitute Steiner Blackstenius with the goal.
04:23And these Arsenal fans, well they will go home very happy indeed. And not one of them will be sleeping a wink tonight.
04:33Arsenal, our European champion.
04:34Arsenal, our European champion.
04:35Arsenal, our European champion.
04:45Well, Gembiti, this is it. This is the moment that these Arsenal players have dreamed of for so long.
04:52long absolutely on 18 years taking them to get to this point but not even this
04:58season alone 15 games in the tournament so far it's led up to this and this is
05:02the moment it's there for the taking
05:12the atmosphere is electric
05:16and here we go this is it the final of the 2024-25 uefa women's champions league arsenal in their
05:26first final in 18 years taking on six-time finalists and three-time winners barcelona the dominant force
05:33in europe
05:34well they need to get very comfortable arsenal gembite being uncomfortable in this game
05:50they do and i think look karen karni's analysis pre-game was absolutely spot on it depends how
05:56much they press high up the pitch we know that can be a vulnerability of barcelona and that's
06:01exactly what they've been working on the past couple of weeks i think their form off the back
06:05of leon as depth in terms of goals conceded and they'll know that but they've had the time to
06:10get together regroup and really focus on their defensive area ability whether it's higher up
06:14the pitch or lower in this low block they just can't collapse if they get into those phases of
06:19play and caleb ford has won the ball back and is driving forward alessia russo's there
06:23caldente against her former club she says it'll be a really weird feeling spending 10 seasons at
06:32barcelona and now
06:33racing them trying to win in the first champions league final with arsenal
06:38it's been spoken about so much jen they really need to draw on the experience of
06:45maliona caldente they do and what a player she's been for them this season i think even
06:50the goal against leon kind of summed her up that that quality in the final third
06:54what a finish it was and if i was a player in that dressing room you'd be you'd be picking her
06:58brain all week knowing that you're about to play barcelona you'd be like what are their weaknesses
07:02what do you think about this player what can i do against this use that experience and she has
07:07that in abundance she was there for 10 years she will a bit bizarre but i'm hoping she'll take
07:11that experience for this arsenal side to take the game
07:13and the champions league this season unmovable ever present in the barcelona goal
07:39and just seven conceded
07:42and they will do that of course they're a possession based team they want to play through the center of the pitch
08:03and i'll say it again that's exactly what they can't allow they can't allow
08:06balls central the field and when they do win it back be a bit more careful
08:10we spoke about it four ballon d'or winners in the center of the pitch
08:14that is an unbelievable level of quality between bon matty
08:17and alexia patelis it's the midfield where this game is going to be so dominant i can't wait to see
08:22that match up between kim little and bon matty because what a player they both are
08:26i mentioned those two but of course pateliki halo as well
08:29who hasn't quite hit those same individual title levels as the two were alongside her but it was
08:35pivotal in barcelona's win in the 23-24 season over volsburg
08:40scoring the two goals that put them back level in that game after volsburg took an early lead
08:46and eva paior who was one of the early goal scorers for volsburg on the pitch today but this time
08:51she's in the split shirt of red and blue of barcelona
08:54yeah and i think midfields need balance
08:57patrie brings that's definitely from the center of the pitch and i like this from arsenal taking
09:01the game to him a throw in behind great run from freedom annum obviously unlucky not to get the
09:05corner but these moments are just about settling into it okay it's early in the game not even five
09:11minutes on the clock yet can you when you get the ball back from barcelona if you're high up the press
09:15what can you do with it just to gain that extra bit of momentum at the early starting stages of the game
09:19great sign of just how warm it is for de lernards and warnham without her gloves today
09:23sweltering 26 degrees half of the stadium bathed in shade
09:28as arsenal looking to break weave their way through the midfield but unfortunately
09:35the pass that was looking for alessio russo communication not quite there from caitlin ford
09:45two
09:47and
09:52magazine
09:53and
09:56technology teasing the former teammates
09:59Yuana Caldente
10:00teasing her former teammates
10:01there's lol put
10:02and
10:02bombatti
10:03she keeps going bombatti
10:05she keeps going bombatti finds space and keeps running
10:07brave and back
10:11Just inside the box, she's well watched and well marked and it can't find a way through, but they'll try and keep going Barcelona, Guijaro.
10:28That's exactly where the threat of Bon Mati can be right, we saw her do it against Chelsea dribbling the whole length of the field and that space just there picks up a lovely pocket space centre of the field, drives her team forward.
10:39And Arsenal actually do well to recover and get numbers behind the ball and getting aggressive in the moments where they can, whether it's Katie McCabe, Caitlin Ford on this flank, be aggressive where you can, because you can't be everywhere.
10:51Katie McCabe has started every Champions League game for Arsenal this season, which is now 15, having to start the qualifying rounds and work their way through, the first team to ever do it and reach the final.
11:03It's been a long, long road for Arsenal.
11:09And the ball soaring over the head of Friglinga Rolfe.
11:19And Romeo watching on his first season as Barcelona head coach, taking over for Jonathan Rolfe.
11:26That's the start of the season as he moved over to the NWSL, looking to do exactly what the man who came before him did for the first time last season, a quadruple.
11:39And still have the Copa de la Arena final.
11:49Barcelona coming forward in this space. And Daphne van Domstela will have to get back very quickly here.
11:55And Daphne van Domstela is driving forward.
11:59Tita Persia and Nick Fox swooping in.
12:03Doing exactly what she does best.
12:06That is continuing. Barcelona playing it down.
12:18Yes, plenty of them from the crowd.
12:22And Claudia Pina has been left near the corner flag. Let's take a look back at what happened.
12:32Yeah, I think Chloe Kelly just goes in a little bit late, can see what she's trying to do, just put Pina under pressure.
12:40This referee, I'm surprised she didn't pick up on it, to be honest, because she does catch her a little bit late.
12:45But I think that just goes to show.
12:47Three kicks in the wide area, not too bad to give away.
12:50The ref didn't pick it up that time, but the more this game goes on, she might.
12:53And it's silly fouls like that, Arsenal can't afford to give away.
13:01Particularly in that kind of area.
13:07Going forward. Kinklet, Kittlin forward.
13:13Chloe Kelly, this is Leonardson Mourlin.
13:18Let's see Rousseau just on the edge of the area, but Kregelina Rolfut cuts out the pass.
13:25Mateus.
13:32And Mati, watched by Fox.
13:42It's these moments, Ellen, where you have to be comfortable without the ball, right?
13:45Barcelona being a possession-based team.
13:47They might make mistakes, but it's very uncharacteristic.
13:50Obviously, you saw Leon do it earlier.
13:52Cairo driving forward.
13:55And they just about get there, but the space is punched away by Van Domsala.
13:59But they haven't defused the danger.
14:01And now Caldente gets caught with the ball at her feet.
14:04That's a scramble from the captain, Williamson.
14:06And now a sigh of relief from the Arsenal fans who are scattered around the stadium.
14:10Wow.
14:12Square balls across the box, Ellen.
14:14You can't get away with it, especially not against this team.
14:17I think the play before, Leo Williamson had played a lovely long ball from the kick-off.
14:21And I thought, great, keep doing that.
14:23And then they've played short passes across the box.
14:25You get a little bit lucky, tackles are made, which is really important.
14:28But, well, can't be making mistakes or square balls across the box.
14:32That's a goal waiting to happen for Barcelona.
14:35And Barcelona asking for the flag to go up.
14:38It now does against Alessia Russo.
14:41She was onside, actually, watching the right-back of Barcelona.
14:56A great run, always going to be a threat in behind Russo.
14:58She's having the season of her life, isn't she?
15:05Well, didn't qualify for the Champions League group stage last season.
15:10Knocked out in the qualifying rounds by Paris FC on penalties.
15:13And it's a very different story this year.
15:15This is McAve.
15:29There's some relief for Arsenal that, as the sun begins to move around the stadium,
15:34more of the stadium is cast in shade.
15:37It's very warm down there, and, of course, that poses such a challenge.
15:40Whereas for Barcelona, they're used to playing in the Spanish heat.
15:43I was, and, you know what, summed it up, the warm-up.
15:46I watched Arsenal warm-up, and they were constantly in the shade
15:48until they had to be.
15:49Barcelona the whole time in the sun.
15:51Caldente.
15:54And continues to shrug off the pressure from Claudia Fina.
16:00That wide to Kelly.
16:03Walford is there, blocking the way.
16:08It's a good delivery.
16:09It's headed into space, and no-one was arriving.
16:14Caitlin Ford with a header.
16:15Russo was making a way, but didn't get there.
16:18Lovely ball from Kimler.
16:19Absolutely love this.
16:20That dangerous territory right in between the back line and the goalkeeper.
16:23Caitlin Ford doing what she does best.
16:25Lurking off the back post of back shoulder, the full-back, I should say.
16:29It's really unlucky not to get that goal word, but what a ball, what a run.
16:33And more from that from Arsenal, I think.
16:35But that's a huge confidence boost from them.
16:37Knowing they've threatened the back line of Barcelona.
16:41Kim Little arriving at Arsenal the season after.
16:44They won the Champions League in 2007.
16:47She has dreamt of this for so long.
16:49She was the standout player, the player of the match against Lyon.
16:52And they'll need an equally big performance tonight.
16:54As Maitana Bonmatti running in circles.
16:58They start to move forward.
17:00Space opened up where Kata McCabe has vacated her area.
17:04Carolina Garland-Hansen.
17:07Space opening up, Bonmatti dives her way through.
17:11And it's well collected by the Arsenal goalkeeper.
17:16Well, just when you think Arsenal set up perfectly,
17:21centre-backs in front of the goal, who picks up the space?
17:24Bonmatti.
17:25What a cut that is inside onto a wrong foot.
17:27Don't get me wrong, but a player like that, that bit of space,
17:29Steph Cattley does actually pretty well to close the space
17:31and create a smaller angle for her to get the shot away.
17:34But lovely bit of space, Bonmatti.
17:36Best player in the world picking up the space edge inside the box
17:38and getting a shot on target.
17:41It took her time to get into the game in the 2024 final against Lyon.
17:46It was all Carolina Garland-Hansen with the attacking moves forward
17:50and really dictating that for Barcelona.
17:52They started without an out-and-out centre-forward.
17:55Whereas I think that's been one of the big difference
17:57in terms of the goal-scoring metrics for Barcelona this season.
18:00Yeah, and I think the beauty of having a player like Peer
18:04always trying to threaten him behind, that creates space
18:07right in front of the back four players like Alexi Poteas, Bonmatti.
18:11They want that space on the edge of the box.
18:13And the beauty of it, they don't even need that much.
18:15A little turn, a bit of skill to create their own space,
18:18it goes to the credit of the kind of players they are.
18:21Caitlin Ford chasing onto the ball.
18:24Good delivery, looking for Chloe Kelly, who sends it over the net and into the crowd.
18:32They are finding a way, they're starting to have those glimpses of what we've seen
18:36of Arsenal at their very best this season.
18:39Yeah, and I think the weaknesses of Barcelona, if they do have any, it's balls in behind.
18:43They're not necessarily known for their speed at the back.
18:46And that sums it up.
18:47Caitlin Ford saw the space, ran into it, lovely ball over the top.
18:50And who she tried to find?
18:51Opposite winger.
18:52Chloe Kelly again on the other side, similar to what Caitlin Ford did earlier on.
18:55Looking on the back shoulder of a full-back, it's so hard to defend.
18:58You have to open up your body, have the vision to see where they are.
19:02I think Chloe Kelly just gets under the ball a little bit there,
19:05but that's a really hard skill to make, take that out of the air and volley at the top corner.
19:08But she definitely had it envisioned and it's credit to her for getting into the space to be in that area.
19:13Catley.
19:18Looking for Russo again.
19:19Just those balls over the top, constantly looking for Alessio Russo.
19:23And I think that's a thing in football.
19:30You know, you want to, of course you want to play short passes into the midfield,
19:33but sometimes you have to turn a team in order to get them to drop,
19:36in order to turn around, for them to turn around and create the space and run back
19:40for the likes of then, Caldente, Ken Little to find passes into the midfield.
19:44Of course, early moments in the game, especially, you know, opening 15 minutes,
19:48you want to get a team turning in behind.
19:50Still 0-0 as we approach, 15 minutes on the clock.
19:56And a fairly even 15 minutes so far.
20:00And there's a full forward, Katie McCabe will get there before
20:04Carolina Golan Hansen and hopes not to go back to the keeper.
20:07The Barcelona throw.
20:10The Barcelona throw.
20:12Maddie.
20:16The battle to try and get there.
20:20The first corner of the game going the way of Barcelona.
20:26Some pieces will be so crucial in this game.
20:32Tended to see Barcelona go short.
20:34Tipping through the quarter-finals.
20:38And Cadena Gorbina is here.
20:40Alongsidelerde Lille.
20:44some pieces will be so crucial in this game
20:48tended to see barcelona go short
20:52tipping through the quarterfinals
20:54and part of the pina is here
20:59alongside
21:01mape leon
21:03getting behind barcelona
21:09they go direct with mape leon
21:11looking for the back post and it's headed away by
21:13Alessio Russo
21:14this is patio
21:18Mati
21:21Milil
21:25top scorer sends a lovely ball forward
21:39it's punched up into the air
21:41Arsenal not safe yet
21:43it's headed away
21:43down to the feet
21:44and now they do go back
21:49to the goalkeeper
21:50Kassikoy
21:50yeah it's these second and third phases after a corner where you're a bit disjointed
21:58and you just have to regroup as quickly as possible and get your team higher up pitch
22:02that's where Barcelona have pounced on so many occasions
22:05well Hanson
22:07and it does well there
22:10and Mario Nicaldente
22:11will sweep the ball from the feet of former team mates
22:15she's on the back of Chloe Kelly
22:17well we can see
22:28Rennie Slager is making the calm down signal with her hands
22:31you've just done the same Jen
22:32yeah
22:33I think it's these moments you just have to manage the game
22:36lovely punch from Fandom Seller there in those moments
22:39obviously
22:40first priority would be to catch it and start a build up from the back
22:43but in those moments just to punch it and clear your team higher up the pitch
22:47but
22:47I think
22:48Rennie Slagers is right
22:49these moments catch a breath
22:51there's a lot of moments where you're without the ball
22:53so can you just restructure
22:54get your shape spot on again
22:56especially when you're coming out of a low block
22:58to get your team higher up the pitch
22:59to restructure
23:00occupy space is better
23:01and enjoy the ball a bit more
23:02when they win the ball back
23:03you have to be more careful with it
23:05definitely Rennie Slager missing the last three games of the WSL season
23:19she was injured on international duty
23:22manage to get a fit to start in the Lyon second leg
23:29she was spectacular in that
23:31some huge saves
23:32just watching the long ball again there from Mappy Lyon
23:46Leah Williamson reads it really well
23:48and the one thing I love that Williamson does
23:50gives the forward a little bump
23:53so she can't run in behind
23:54Pair's ready to threaten
23:55make that run in behind
23:56Leah Williamson just gives her a bit of a bump
23:58so she can't make that run in there to collect the ball after
24:00or a shoulder barge as we see in Scotland
24:07just a cheeky shoulder barge
24:09she's no stranger to that
24:10is Leah Williamson
24:12walking out
24:17in the 2007 final
24:21which of course was played over two legs
24:22so don't have that luxury tonight
24:24I've been dreaming of this
24:26for so so long
24:28Barcelona find a way through
24:31doesn't reach by Ork
24:34that's Miki Harrell
24:37chip ball
24:40massive play
24:41and Supercelles couldn't get there
24:43the thing about Barcelona
24:46they just have everything in their locker
24:48where it's a ball on the ground
24:50a chip ball
24:50a dink in behind
24:52the technical ability
24:53you just can't switch off
24:54you always have to be constantly
24:56looking at your shoulder
24:56who's making a run in behind
24:58who's dropping off to find feet
24:59the rotations are always frightening
25:01you're looking at players
25:02that have played in an academy together
25:04since they were kids
25:05they know to do those rotations
25:07it's almost instinctual
25:08it's the hardest thing to coach
25:10but these players have it
25:11it's embedded in them
25:12watching them do the rotations
25:13finding space
25:14finding feet
25:15that's the things that Arsenal players
25:17need to be spot on
25:18and looking for every single time
25:19it is the Barcelona way
25:21isn't it
25:22okay
25:27scans for our options
25:29at the moment are marked
25:33Rousseau
25:36lovely play from Alessia Rousseau
25:38can she stay on the ball
25:39triples out of play once again
25:42and will be another throw
25:43from next season
25:47TNT Sports will be the home
25:49of the Emirates FA Cup
25:50and of course
25:51the Adobe Women's FA Cup
25:53with more live games
25:54broadcast than ever before
25:56Barcelona under pressure
26:00can't make anything of it
26:03she's taking her time again
26:17Katie McCabe
26:18and this is something
26:18that the Barcelona fans
26:20don't like too much of
26:22we saw that in the
26:23semi-finals
26:25as well as the quarter-finals
26:27can turn quite quickly
26:28Chloe Kelly sends it across
26:38goal and it's an own goal
26:40and Arsenal lead
26:43but it is a disaster
26:46from Barcelona
26:47and it is her slight connection
26:56with the ball
26:57that sees it over the line
26:59and it is the Arsenal fans
27:03who erupt
27:03oh it looks very close
27:11it was close
27:13forward
27:14and it of course
27:20will be checked
27:21and you can now see the referee
27:23speaking to the VAR team
27:27it was very very close
27:32I think to the naked eye
27:36I thought she might have
27:37been offside
27:38but it just goes to show
27:40the uncertainty
27:41that those runs in behind
27:42can cause
27:42it's called offside
27:43it's no goal
27:44but I think the pattern of play
27:45Freedom Anam's running behind
27:47really stretched again
27:48that Barcelona back four
27:50and they did
27:51they lunged for it
27:51they know
27:52now Arsenal people know
27:53that they can have a mistake
27:54in their box
27:55so it's keep threatening them
27:56but unfortunately
27:58that one was offside
27:58and it did look it
27:59if I'm honest
28:00at the opening play
28:01so back all level
28:0423 minutes played
28:07it's a certain sign
28:11that they can be broken
28:13and they can be beaten
28:15three defeats this season
28:18Barcelona
28:19it's the most of
28:21only season for them
28:24since the 2018-19 season
28:27but still when you look
28:28at that Jen
28:29still only three defeats
28:30it's quite some record
28:32that they continue to hold
28:33in the dominance
28:34that they exert
28:34not just domestically
28:35but in Europe as well
28:36it's unbelievable
28:38and you know
28:39I was looking
28:40and I genuinely think
28:41losing against Man City
28:42the opening game
28:43for their Champions League
28:44campaign this season
28:46might have been
28:46the best thing for them
28:47in terms of
28:48a little bit of a wake up
28:49you know
28:49they knew the level
28:50that they have to jump up
28:51I mean they've done it
28:52year and year in
28:53but still
28:54sometimes players do need
28:55that little bit of a wake up
28:56but this is the style of football
28:59that every team
28:59or multiple teams
29:01try and play
29:01and can't
29:02because they can't execute it
29:03they might not necessarily
29:04have the players
29:04but my word
29:06they're just drilled in
29:08instinctual
29:09they kind of play
29:10back foot receiving
29:11turning on the half turn
29:12and this is a prime example
29:13and this is a prime example of it
29:14but the ball in
29:15from Carolina
29:16doesn't meet anyone
29:18and of course
29:19it is the former Barcelona player
29:21who brings it away
29:22now Caitlin Ford
29:22she has been exceptional
29:26in her last few games
29:28in Europe
29:29she'll keep going
29:31and there's not really
29:32anyone there to help
29:33and support
29:34from an Arsenal perspective
29:35really smart play
29:37from her there actually
29:38you can see his
29:39lovely bit of feet
29:40from Caldente
29:41in the centre of the pitch
29:42gets her heads up
29:43and finds Caitlin Ford
29:44free on the flank
29:44but Caitlin Ford
29:46on another day
29:47might have sent that in
29:48but you can see
29:48Russo's 2v1
29:49she's not open
29:50she doesn't have space
29:51what do you do?
29:51Drive
29:52just take your team forward
29:53and what she's done
29:54she's got the team
29:55a throw in at this end
29:56of the pitch
29:56brilliant from Caitlin Ford
29:57this is Russo
29:59turns well
30:00and open
30:02surely the space
30:03but driving back
30:05was Claudia Peanut
30:07to deny Emily Fox
30:09the opportunity
30:10to get a shot away
30:11yeah and you can see
30:13that's a threat
30:14from Arsenal actually
30:14early on
30:15is crosses
30:15whether it's Russo
30:17or Ford on this side
30:18but I think that's
30:19credit to Emily Fox
30:20the engine that she is
30:21finding herself up
30:22the other end of the pitch
30:23as a right back
30:23and giving herself
30:25a goal scoring opportunity
30:26I will say
30:27she's been unbelievable
30:28all season
30:29for Arsenal this year
30:30it's a picture in isolation
30:31which maybe would break
30:32in front of Catecoy
30:33you had the number nine
30:35for Barcelona defending
30:36and Emily Fox
30:38the fullback
30:38trying to get a shot away
30:40exactly that
30:42and look
30:42you need all 11 players
30:43to attack
30:44and you need all 11
30:45to defend
30:45that's football
30:46the modern game
30:47it's intense
30:48this is
30:48you know
30:49you're looking at
30:49the top two teams
30:50in club European football
30:52playing at a very
30:53very high level
30:54and this takes
30:5511 players
30:57to go on the win
30:57and the bench player
30:58everyone coming off the win
30:59everyone involved
31:00behind the scenes
31:00this is a huge team effort
31:02and that goes to show
31:03number nine's coming back
31:04and tracking back
31:05again
31:06Caitlin Ford
31:07I'll talk about her again
31:09she's an absolute credit
31:10for defending
31:11and getting all the way back
31:12on the edge of her own box
31:13as well
31:13and that's what you need
31:14Brian Hudson
31:20continues forward
31:21but a sloppy pass
31:22straight to the feet
31:24of Kim Little
31:25this is McKay
31:28board is open
31:30starting to be made forward
31:34but
31:34have to go backwards
31:37and just control the possession
31:38a bit more
31:39something that they'll be
31:39very comfortable with
31:40Arsenal
31:41but of course
31:41isn't a given
31:42in this game
31:43yeah
31:44and I think
31:44especially these moments
31:46going from side to side
31:47is the only way
31:48that's going to open up
31:49gaps in the back line
31:51and there is a gap
31:52but it's closed
31:52very quickly
31:53by Artana Bomati
31:54here is Mournham
32:09who goes for goal
32:11and it's tipped over
32:12but what an effort
32:14from Frida Lennart
32:15to Mournham
32:16a corner
32:18for Arsenal
32:19well as soon as that ball
32:20was played forward
32:21I was almost out
32:22into the night shoot
32:23but I held it back
32:25in an unbelievable strike
32:26from 35 yards out
32:28Frida Manor
32:28that's what she's known for
32:29loves a strike
32:30any opportunity
32:31to get her on the ball
32:32in the centre of the pitch
32:33and that was that
32:35credit to the goalkeeper
32:36there
32:37what a save that was
32:37because that was
32:38very much on target
32:39and credit to Steph Catley
32:40as well
32:40centre back position
32:41being aggressive
32:42not letting Barcelona
32:43play that long ball
32:44winning the header
32:45and getting a shot on target
32:47for Frida Manor
32:47great shot
32:48what a week it's been put
32:49there Lennart's in Mournham
32:50as well
32:51signing a contract extension
32:52as well
32:53and disclosed
32:53so far the length
32:55of the contract
32:55committing her future
32:57to Arsenal
32:57this is Chloe Kelly
32:59with both arms raised
33:00it's a nice delivery
33:03but it flies all the way
33:04through
33:04his little
33:05and it's over
33:06and she grabs
33:08the back of her head
33:09she's there for a reason
33:14Payor just actually
33:15switching off
33:16on the edge of the box
33:16there
33:17and who's not
33:17switched off
33:18Kim Little
33:18the most experienced
33:19player in this side
33:20she'll be disappointed
33:21with that strike
33:22nonetheless
33:22she knows she can do
33:23better than that
33:23and get it on target
33:24but that goes to show
33:26how important set pieces
33:27are not just first phase
33:28second phase as well
33:30she's always there
33:38whether Alexander Bonmatti goes
33:40Alejandro Caldante follows
33:41another way to intercept the pass
33:48shove
33:50shoulder
33:51shoulder barge once again
33:54as you were saying earlier
33:55from Leo Williamson
33:58and rightly so
34:00what I love about the Champions League
34:02it's always much more physical
34:03than the domestic season
34:04back in the WSL
34:06and you have to match it
34:07whether you start it
34:08or join it in that sense
34:09but Leo Williamson
34:10she's been so physical
34:11with Payor
34:12because she has to
34:13Payor has a lot of pace
34:14and will threaten him behind
34:16but Leo Williamson
34:16has absolutely matched that
34:17so far in this opening
34:1830 minutes of the game
34:19well you need to be as well
34:20against Deva Payor
34:21of course
34:22spent so many seasons
34:23nine seasons at Wolfsburg
34:24for leaving over Summit
34:26to join Barcelona
34:27and really asserting
34:31herself so well
34:32top scorer in the Spanish League
34:33which is two away
34:36from setting a new
34:37club record
34:38for most scored
34:38in a season
34:40which will of course
34:41have this game
34:41to try and better
34:45that of Jenny
34:45Hermoso
34:46Kelly
34:47Kelly
34:53Kelly
34:57sets it up for Chloe Kelly
35:02nice ball across
35:04and then Caitlin Ford
35:06just sees it trickle
35:07away from her feet
35:08really clever cross
35:20there from Chloe Kelly
35:21actually
35:21the space they would
35:23want to hit
35:24is in between
35:25the goalkeeper
35:25and the back four
35:26it's not there
35:26it's what she do
35:27the cut back
35:27so hard to defend
35:29when a back four
35:29is going towards the goal
35:31trying to close the space
35:32and then it's cut back
35:32to try and turn the other way
35:33doesn't quite execute it
35:35or find an Arsenal player
35:36but again
35:37another great threat
35:38from Arsenal
35:38in the wide areas
35:39well that series
35:42was a perfect example
35:43of the physicality needed
35:44to contend with Barcelona
35:46from both Chloe Kelly
35:47and Katie McKay
35:48and Matti
35:51sees space ahead of her
35:53keeps running
35:54and goes for goal
35:55but it's straight
35:56at Daphne van Domstela
35:57it's the rotations
36:00for me Ellen
36:01Bob Matti finding
36:02pretty much
36:02almost on the sideline
36:03drifts off to the wide area
36:05find the space
36:06and again
36:06her dribbling ability
36:07is unbelievable
36:08gets herself in the box
36:10doesn't quite
36:11beat the goalkeeper
36:12but you can see
36:13what she's trying to do
36:14hit it across
36:14Van Domstela
36:15to find the side netting
36:16but again
36:17showing her individual
36:18brilliance
36:18and just what she can do
36:19who will get there first
36:20it's Kjap Sikhoi
36:21and switch of sides
36:25for Caitlin Ford
36:26and Chloe Kelly
36:27those chances as well
36:32and going back to
36:33Bonmatti
36:33they come from nothing
36:34just when you think
36:35you might have the structure
36:36you might have the shape
36:37it's players like
36:38Alexia Patella
36:39it's Bonmatti
36:39that can pop in
36:40in every area
36:41and get shots on target
36:42just from a dribble
36:43from the wide area
36:44shows their quality
36:46dribbling expertise
36:47and the technical ability
36:48that they have to take on
36:49these Arsenal players
36:50and that's why
36:50both of them
36:51have been
36:51fairly undisputed
36:53as the best players
36:55in the world
36:55for so many years now
36:57I feel they all
36:58scored some brilliant goals
37:00in this competition
37:01so far
37:01I wonder if a three kick
37:04against Wolfsburg
37:05they're 10-2
37:07aggregate thrashing
37:08in former champions
37:10in this competition
37:11Barcelona
37:25slowing things down
37:26space
37:28plenty of it
37:29opening up
37:30but it's closed
37:31the door
37:31slammed shut
37:32by Emily Fox
37:34who's lucky there
37:41it's good defence
37:42from Arsenal
37:43I will say
37:44Alexia Patella
37:45again always trying
37:46to drift in behind
37:47and create that space
37:48in the wide area
37:49always making that run
37:50both of them
37:51in between the
37:52Emily Fox
37:53and Lee Williamson
37:54and on the other side
37:55and Arsenal do really well
37:56just stay compact
37:57they get a little bit lucky
37:58getting a goal kick
37:59in that area
38:00I think Barcelona
38:01could have done a little bit better
38:02but we're just seeing
38:03this goal back
38:03yeah
38:03watching far
38:05and they do lunge for it
38:07and it is that little mistake
38:08that they would have been
38:09massively disappointed
38:09but those threats
38:11those runs
38:11in between the fullback
38:13and centre back
38:14are so hard to defend
38:15because you want to drag
38:16either a centre back
38:17outside
38:17or you want to drag
38:18a midfielder
38:19to go and track the run
38:20and that's that bit
38:20of communication
38:21that you always have to have
38:23for centre backs
38:23and midfielder
38:24who tracks that run
38:25the best midfielders do it
38:26well there's so much space
38:28now
38:28and Barcelona
38:29come forward
38:30but Alexia Puteas
38:33can't make anything of it
38:35they do win a corner though
38:37I see the reaction
38:39from Caitlin Ford here
38:40what a tackle
38:40this is
38:41tracking back
38:42all the way
38:42that's your forward player
38:43making a lunging tackle
38:45in your own side
38:46of your own box
38:46and that is the level
38:47of defending
38:48that Arsenal need
38:48for 90 minutes
38:49and more if they get there
38:51but brilliant defending
38:52from Caitlin Ford
38:52there's the player coming forward
38:55who's now found her position
38:57in the box
38:58all over the top
39:06handed away from Alexia Puteas
39:09who was central on goal
39:10this is on a bad shape
39:12it's on a bad shape
39:17it's punched away by Van Domseller
39:20who once again
39:22soars in
39:24as Arsenal's hero
39:25Fox
39:26such a big role in this game
39:28Emily Fox
39:29Leonard Simone
39:31was brought down
39:32well those are such key moments
39:35and it starts from Van Domseller
39:36punching away
39:37Emily Fox
39:38showing her athletic ability
39:39a mappy Leon look
39:41a little bit too aggressive
39:42in those moments
39:43definitely giving the foul
39:44you can't make contact
39:44if you don't contact the ball
39:46in those areas
39:47but Frieda Mannen
39:47does really well
39:48gets her body in the way
39:50holds up play
39:50but Emily Fox's athletic ability
39:53one touch
39:53and you're around the forward
39:54brilliant getting them both
39:56to the centre of the pitch
39:58actually from Van Domseller
39:59looking to join a list
40:02of American players
40:05to win this historic competition
40:07Wolfer
40:10over the top
40:11and there's a proper chase on here
40:13and Van Domseller
40:14is having to get back
40:15and that is brilliant
40:17from the captain
40:18Leah Williamson
40:19to deny Eva Payor
40:20the opportunity to strike
40:21Fox
40:25it's on by Chloe Kelly
40:27and the cafe Leon
40:28will get there first
40:29and Alessio Russo knows that
40:31and it's just dialed down
40:32on the gas
40:32well that's the threat
40:35the earth poses right
40:36runs in behind
40:37catches Leah Williamson
40:39gave the ball away initially
40:40and given Barcelona
40:42half of the pitch
40:42to take the space
40:43and it was a great run
40:45from her in behind
40:45and could have done
40:46a little bit better
40:47but Leah Williamson
40:47does actually so well
40:49to recover
40:49and get the tackle
40:50inside her own box
40:51you know that's risky
40:52tackling in that stage of play
40:54potentially giving away
40:55a penalty
40:55if she gets it wrong
40:56she got it spot on
40:57and she got it wrong
41:09and she was getting it wrong
41:10and she gave the ball to 08
41:10but Patrick Diallo is there
41:12just inside
41:13there it is
41:18there it is
41:20there it is
41:21well making a point turn in a champions league final just goes to show how comfortable these
41:28players are on the ball just under pressure confident passing the ball well hansen keeps
41:34going and keeps going she'll continue to try it try and drive forward she's under pressure
41:40and a crucial shove from mccabe
41:51just in front of the goal
41:58that looked like a sore one katie mccabe i think if i mean i hope she's not hurt first and foremost but
42:10i think these are the moments where you just need to take a bit of time get your team together get
42:13some fluids on board and yeah it takes it right in the chest actually great bit of footwork from
42:19olexia patella's doing well to to get the cross away well interestingly there is a arsenal huddle
42:24which eva pio has sandwiched herself right in the central as now she asks to take on some water as
42:30well so maybe not there just for the tactical uh discussion but some fluids that arsenal had as
42:38the corner goes short to the side oh and punched away once again
42:45living dangerously at times arsenal
42:50probably it is
42:52glam hansen oh it's smothered by the body of chloe kelly who now just strikes it clear
42:59well i will say van dom so there is judge these crosses so incredibly well punching them away
43:07having the confidence to come off her line and take the pressure off the back four and that's why
43:11she's the number one she's confident and takes the pressure off in really key moments can't tell
43:16you how important that is from from a centre-back just when you think you might not make the header
43:19you've got your goalkeeper there
43:21once again barcelona have tried to find a way through and this time alexia patella's the captain
43:27she can't do it
43:29well there'll be some relief for daphie van domselaar that now the whole of her goal mouth is
43:34covered in shade
43:35yeah absolutely it's also these moments for arsenal
43:40i love this great punch away okay it's central maybe not the best place to put it you want to put
43:45it wide when you're trying to clear whether it's a heather or a punch from goalkeepers
43:49particularly when you have the height of freedom in the world for coming in as well
43:54well we are counting down to the start of roland garros which gets underway tomorrow
44:01from 9 30 a.m every match from the iconic clay courts of paris will be live only on tnt and discovery plus
44:15well she's showing some brilliant work ethic today alessia russo
44:36hasn't quite been able to find the right opening in the first 40 minutes of this go
44:43100% ellen but just watching this these opening 40 minutes as well you can tell a key tactic
44:54is chloe kelly brusso caitlin ford pressing them high up the pitch
44:58this is rolfer
44:59delivery doesn't meet eva payor claudia pina is asking for the ball and now her captain delivers
45:07and she turns can she shoot it smothered by emily fox and now is will leah williamson
45:13who is forced to run it out of play and throws her arms in the air
45:18barcelona really piling on the pressure they've dominated possession this opening first half
45:29creating moments like that but pina is moving inside this is why she's starting it's why she
45:34did so incredibly well coming off the bench for chelsea starting the second half getting
45:38goals in both legs that's the bit of space those top quality players find bits of space just again
45:45just when you think arsenal compact the best players find the space and what a ball it was
45:49she was wide open but brilliant again from emily fox this is what arsenal need to do just keep
45:53riding out these moments and make tackles in the key areas
45:56just a second start and the knockout stages and so is peteas but watched once again this time it's the
46:06catch on kim little and now emily fox picks up the ball
46:09four minutes of regulation time to go in this first half of uefa women's champions league final
46:24this is the big one
46:25looking for glam hansen and there was appeals
46:33from carolina glam hansen and the barcelona fans around the stadium as well but it's their former
46:39player who is looking for alessia russo and just running out of that steam to get on the ball slightly
46:48over hit by mario niquel dento
46:55the england captain leo williamson
47:15kim little and the arsenal captain just showing those hand signals again have calmed down calmed down
47:23and she's spot on she's the kind of player you look to when you're on the pitch
47:28whether it's a bounce ball or any tactical knowledge and you've just won the ball back from
47:34from an arsenal perspective can you keep it and enjoy these few moments on the ball because
47:37barcelona dominated possession they've shown threats they've had shots away
47:41can you keep position and not give the ball away like that essentially the pitch
47:45they have given it away but leah williamson wins it back
47:49a brief word between her and her captain
47:52once again williamson pulled into action
47:56quick reactions as well
47:59and the player who will be leading england to the euros this summer
48:05that's the more transitional phase of the play actually that we haven't had many in this game
48:17where players are giving it a ball away a little bit too cheaply but
48:21barcelona can attack so fast she can't do that in any area
48:25caitlin board trying to get there but it will be
48:29it's given us a goal kick
48:31looks like it's come off
48:37from a batio
48:39yeah it did but she called for it maybe she had a little bit of influence on the referee there
48:44maybe didn't have the best angle but great recovery again from batio in a low area of the pitch
48:48just watching this one back there's no way that was a handball
48:52i'm not sure why i think caitlin ford again
48:54low credit or recovery runs kate mccabe caitlin ford both back there to do what's needed for their team
48:59comes off her chest there's no way that was
49:01that one was a handball
49:03and pateas is forced off the ball and here comes mariona caldente the ball pings around
49:07russo has it back to caldente
49:10ford
49:12support you're riding for arsenal
49:15and it's it finds a way past chloe kelly in it
49:18guard of the shoulder from fridelina rolfer
49:20she doesn't do it often but i think she chose the wrong pass
49:25i think frida manham's furious she didn't get it but he find himself in a 2v3
49:29and this is the second phase where again caitlin ford finds herself
49:32looking for a cross in the box but barcelona actually defend
49:35really well they're both positionally set up in front of the goal ready to just see that one out of play
49:39and again that shows a lot of confidence in the back in the box to just allow that to happen
49:43and it's uh welcome to the premier league for sunderland
49:46who have won the playoff final today and it all comes to a head in the premier league tomorrow
49:50we'll be live at manchester united to host champions league chasing aston villa
49:55that's tomorrow from 3 p.m on tnt sports one
49:58that's the day
50:02that's the day
50:11today
50:13is open making the run forward she'll now pick up the ball
50:16and find a way round emily fox
50:21One minute of additional time, 10 seconds into it, as Guilherme Hansen dances towards the area.
50:32It's a nice delivery, but it's well over the top, and Claudia Pina will try and chase,
50:36but once again, Emily Fox can take a bow because that is excellent defending,
50:41and Williamson now sees it clear, but only as far as Barcelona is zooming in.
50:51Yep.
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