Arsenal Women vs Barcelona Women Preview: Prediction, H2H & Team News

Arsenal Women vs Barcelona Women: UEFA Women’s Champions League Final Preview

Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025
Kick-off Time: 5:00 PM UK Time
Venue: Estadio José Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal

The stage is set for a thrilling climax to the 2024–25 UEFA Women’s Champions League as Arsenal Women face off against reigning champions Barcelona Women. This highly anticipated final not only pits two of Europe’s elite clubs against each other but also symbolizes the growing prominence of women’s football on the global stage.

Road to the Final

Arsenal Women

Arsenal’s journey to the final has been marked by resilience and determination. Under the guidance of manager Renée Slegers, the Gunners topped their group with five wins and a single defeat. Their knockout stage performances were particularly noteworthy:

Quarter-Finals: Overcame a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Real Madrid with a 3-0 home victory, showcasing their tenacity and tactical acumen.
Semi-Finals: Faced eight-time champions Lyon, losing the first leg 2-1 at home. However, they produced a stunning 4-1 away win in the second leg, securing a 5-3 aggregate victory and their first Champions League final appearance since 2007.

Key players like Mariona Caldentey, Alessia Russo, and Caitlin Foord have been instrumental in Arsenal’s European campaign, contributing crucial goals and assists at pivotal moments.

Barcelona Women

Barcelona Women enter the final as formidable opponents, aiming for their third consecutive UEFA Women’s Champions League title. Their path to the final has been dominant:

Group Stage: Despite an initial 2-0 loss to Manchester City, they rebounded with a nine-game winning streak, scoring 44 goals in 10 matches.
Quarter-Finals: Dispatched Wolfsburg with a commanding 10-2 aggregate score.
Semi-Finals: Defeated Women’s Super League champions Chelsea 4-1 in both legs, underlining their attacking prowess and defensive solidity.

Barcelona’s squad boasts world-class talent, including Ballon d’Or winners Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí, as well as prolific forwards like Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo.

ALSO READ: Bruno Fernandes Transfer Update – Al-Hilal Set Deadline for £100m Move from Man United

Team News

Arsenal Women

Injuries: Defender Katie Reid and forward Lina Hurtig are doubtful due to injuries. Goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar has missed the last three matches and remains a doubt for the final.
Key Players: Mariona Caldentey, a former Barcelona star, has been pivotal for Arsenal, scoring seven goals in the Champions League this season. Alessia Russo and Caitlin Foord have also been in fine form, contributing significantly to Arsenal’s attacking threat.

Barcelona Women

Injuries: Portuguese midfielder Kika Nazareth is sidelined with an ankle injury sustained in March.
Squad Depth: Esmee Brugts and Claudia Pina are pushing for starting spots after impressive performances off the bench in recent matches. Striker Ewa Pajor, with 42 goals this season, is expected to lead the line.

Predicted Lineups

Arsenal Women (4-3-3):
Zinsberger; Fox, Williamson, Catley, McCabe; Maanum, Little, Caldentey; Kelly, Foord, Russo

Barcelona Women (4-3-3):
Coll; Batlle, Paredes, León, Brugts; Bonmatí, Guijarro, Putellas; Graham Hansen, Pina, Pajor

Match Prediction

Arsenal have demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout their Champions League campaign, notably overturning deficits against Real Madrid and Lyon. However, facing a Barcelona side that has been dominant both domestically and in Europe presents a formidable challenge.

Prediction: Arsenal Women 1-3 Barcelona Women

Barcelona’s experience, squad depth, and attacking firepower give them the edge in this encounter. While Arsenal’s journey to the final has been commendable, Barcelona’s consistency and quality make them favorites to clinch their fourth UEFA Women’s Champions League title.

This final not only promises high-quality football but also highlights the growth and competitiveness of women’s football across Europe. Fans worldwide will be eagerly watching as these two giants clash in Lisbon for the coveted European crown.