Arsenal were inevitably crowned the inaugural winners of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup after defeating Brazil's Corinthians 3-2 after extra time. A tournament that rolled the red carpet at every stage for the London side to win. At a rain-soaked Emirates Stadium, the clubs secured £1.7 million and a ‘gold plate’ (dinner plate) trophy.
In this tournament, Corinthian fans showed up. They were jumping and dancing around, even when all hope was lost, they were enjoying themselves. They might have been outnumbered, but they made up for it with their noise.
The opening goal arrived in the 15th minute after a disastrous back pass from the goalkeeper Leticia Teles, which allowed Stina Blackstenius through on goal. She initially redeemed herself with a save, but Olivia Smith reacted to the rebound and gave Arsenal the lead.
Six minutes later, Corinthians responded. Gabi Zanotti, their captain who scored the winner against Gotham, rose to meet a corner, and her header skimmed off Steph Catley and into the net.
While the scoreline was even at half-time, Arsenal dominated possession, holding over 75%, with 12 shots, but despite those early chances, they were unable to test their opponents' defence.
With the rain continuing to fall heavily, Arsenal pushed again for the winner in the second half. In the 58th minute, the Lotte Wubben-Mot pulled away from her marker to head in a looping effort from Emily Fox’s cross, restoring the home side’s lead.
When Arsenal thought it was all over, 90 minutes down, with only a few seconds of stoppage time left, it seemed inevitable. But Katie McCabe made contact with Gisela Robledo inside the penalty area, following VAR intervention. The penalty was awarded and taken in the 96th minute by Vic Albuquerque, forcing extra time.
Caitlin Foord, who in recent months has been criticised primarily for her inclusion in the starting XI after not scoring since September, paid her debt and gratitude to her manager by scoring the winner. In the 104th minute, Frida Maanum stole possession in the Corinthians' half and fell to the Aussie star whose own drive beat Lele at her near post.
While Arsenal fans and players alike were jubilant, what happened next added a sobering note to a dramatic final.
In the closing stages, a serious collision occurred involving the Arsenal goalkeeper Anneke Borbe. The goalkeeper received length treatment on the pitch before being carried off on a stretcher, wearing a warming blanket and an oxygen mask. She was taken to the hospital for further assessment and precautionary measures. Arsenal later confirmed that the goalkeeper has since returned home.
Relief swept through the Emirates when the final whistle blew, sealing Arsenal's place in history.
Earlier in the day, NWSL champions Gotham FC secured third place with a 4–0 win over AS FAR Rabat of Morocco.
Despite being crowned world champions, Arsenal were made to work for their victory. They benefited from being mid-season, while Corinthians were in pre-season and Gotham in their off-season, as well as from hosting the tournament in London and playing the final at the Emirates.
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