Leah Williamson reveals how Arsenal can defeat Barcelona in Champions League final
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On the cusp of the biggest game of her club career, Leah Williamson is chasing a familiar feeling — triumph. As Arsenal prepare to face reigning champions Barcelona in Saturday’s UEFA Women’s Champions League final, the vice-captain spoke of her hunger to lift silverware with the club she loves.
Williamson who will lead Arsenal into their first Champions League final since 2007 told Standard Sport: “I’m craving that feeling again — that high — of doing something with the club I love.”.
It has been anything but a smooth road to Lisbon for the Gunners. Their European campaign began with a scare, nearly crashing out in the qualifiers for the second year running after a first-leg defeat to Sweden’s Hacken. But under new manager Renee Slegers, who took over following Jonas Eidevall’s resignation in October, Arsenal rallied to reach the group stage, finishing above Bayern Munich to top their group.
READ MORE: Why WSL named Alessia Russo Golden Boot winner despite scoring same number of goals as Manchester City star
That early stumble against Hacken became a microcosm of a season defined by resilience and remarkable turnarounds. “She’s had a positive effect on me,” Williamson said of Slegers. “I can be honest with her, she can be honest with me.”
“I picked the right team.” ❤️
The last time our Gunners reached a Champions League final, @leahcwilliamson was a mascot. She reflects on that day and what it means to her a head of Saturday 💫 pic.twitter.com/Zib02DK1F7
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) May 21, 2025
The comeback trail continued in the quarter-finals. Trailing 2-0 after the first leg in Madrid, Alessia Russo inspired a dramatic 3-0 win at home to send Arsenal through. The semi-final brought another daunting challenge: eight-time champions Lyon. After a 2-1 defeat at the Emirates, Arsenal produced a stunning 4-1 win in France to book their place in the final.
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Now, the squad is bracing for their biggest test yet — a Barcelona side chasing their third title in four years.
Leah Williamson attributes Arsenal’s grit and success this season to their unity and clarity of purpose. “We’ve been very task-focused,” she said. “These are our capabilities, but we have to earn the right to play. You have unwavering belief that you can reach that level — now is the time to show it.”
“The beauty of two-legged fixtures is that you have time to reflect and overturn. The challenge of a final is not having that time. You have to adapt within it. To have achieved what we have this year is incredible.”
She also highlighted the strength of the team’s spirit. “We’ve worked on being supportive of each other a lot. We play a team sport — so use that word to its full capacity. Then, when you need those big moments, you have that already in the bank.”
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