Arsenal vs Barcelona women's Champions League final clash set to test Caldentey's loyalty

Arsenal face dominant Barcelona in their first European final since 2007, led by former Barca star Mariona Caldentey.

Mariona Caldentey of Arsenal reacts after the Barclays Women's Super League match at Emirates Stadium on May 10, 2025, in London, England. Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images

By Randy Ahmad and Widya Putri

Arsenal are preparing for a monumental challenge in the Arsenal vs Barcelona women’s Champions League final, set to take place on Saturday at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon. Led by former Barcelona stalwart Mariona Caldentey, the English club will try to halt the Catalan powerhouse’s pursuit of a fourth European crown in five years.

Barcelona have asserted themselves as the most dominant team in European women’s football, and their current campaign has been no exception. Having already secured their sixth consecutive Liga F title and with ambitions of matching last season’s historic quadruple, the Spanish side enters the final as overwhelming favourites. For Arsenal, who have not lifted the trophy since the 2007 UEFA Women’s Cup, Saturday’s clash is both a return to the spotlight and an emotional reunion.

Caldentey’s emotional return adds narrative twist

The Arsenal vs Barcelona women’s Champions League final carries an extra emotional weight, as 29-year-old Mariona Caldentey will face the club she called home for over a decade. After joining Arsenal in July, the versatile winger has been pivotal in the team’s resurgence, earning the Women’s Super League Player of the Season award.

“She has given us that next level,” said Arsenal coach Renee Slegers. “She’s a total footballer. She’s got everything.”

Despite her departure, Caldentey remains deeply respectful of her former club. Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, she acknowledged the unique situation.

“I hope I can score, but I wouldn’t celebrate,” she said. “I have a lot of respect for Barca for everything they gave me.”

Barcelona’s Caroline Graham Hansen, one of Caldentey’s former teammates, admitted that facing her would be strange.

“She’s a very nice person inside the locker room and a fantastic player on the pitch. Hopefully, I won’t see any goals from her on Saturday.”

Barcelona’s road to the final: ruthless and historic

The Arsenal vs Barcelona women’s Champions League final marks Barça’s sixth final appearance in the past seven years. Their path to Lisbon has been nothing short of dominant. After cruising through the group stage, they demolished Chelsea 8–2 on aggregate in the semi-finals, putting on a masterclass against the English domestic treble winners.

Their European form has been blistering. The team has scored 44 goals across nine matches—just one short of Wolfsburg’s record—and has won each of their past nine Champions League fixtures. Claudia Pina has been instrumental, stepping into the void left by Caldentey and becoming the tournament’s top scorer with 10 goals.

Meanwhile, new signing Ewa Pajor has added firepower. The Polish striker, who netted 43 goals in 45 matches this season, has adapted seamlessly under new coach Pere Romeu.

“It’s my dream to win this trophy with this team,” Pajor said in an interview with UEFA. “We have to be prepared, to be focused, and I hope we win this trophy like a team.”

Arsenal’s unlikely path to Lisbon

Arsenal’s journey to the Arsenal vs Barcelona women’s Champions League final has been filled with drama, resilience, and transformation. After parting ways with Jonas Eidevall in October, the club appointed Dutch coach Renee Slegers on an interim basis. Under her leadership, the Gunners’ performances improved significantly, earning her a permanent role by January.

In the quarter-finals, Arsenal pulled off a thrilling comeback to eliminate Real Madrid before dismantling record eight-time champions Lyon 4–1 in France—one of the most impressive results of the season.

Despite being underdogs against Barcelona, the English club enters the final with belief and momentum. Slegers has infused the team with tactical flexibility and fighting spirit, and the presence of experienced players like Kim Little adds further depth. Remarkably, Little played in Arsenal’s 7–0 aggregate win over Barcelona back in 2011, when the Gunners were the European giants.

A century of progress for Barcelona

This final also marks Barcelona’s 100th European match—an occasion that underscores their transformation into a continental force. Their first Champions League fixture was ironically against Arsenal, 13 years ago, and ended in a humbling 7–0 aggregate defeat. At that time, few could have predicted how dramatically the balance of power would shift.

From those early days, only Kim Little and Alexia Putellas remain as active players, bridging past and present. Today, Barcelona field two Ballon d’Or winners—Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí—and a squad brimming with talent in every position.

Tactical insights and expectations

Barcelona’s style remains rooted in fluid possession, quick interchanges, and positional discipline. Under Romeu, who succeeded Jonatan Giráldez, they’ve maintained a high tempo and consistent press, especially in European fixtures. Their midfield trio of Bonmatí, Patri Guijarro, and Ingrid Engen has been central to dictating games.

Arsenal, in contrast, rely on swift transitions, versatility in the final third, and a balance of youth and experience. Caldentey and Alessia Russo have become key figures in attack, combining flair and physicality. Russo has matched Caldentey’s seven goals in this Champions League campaign, and their interplay will be vital if Arsenal are to break through Barça’s defense.

Despite the clear disparity in recent success, Slegers remains optimistic. “We know what we’re up against, but we’ve already shown we can beat the best,” she said in a press conference on Friday. “This group has character, and we’re ready.”

History vs hunger

As the Arsenal vs Barcelona women’s Champions League final kicks off in Lisbon, it presents more than just a chance at silverware. It’s a clash between the established dominance of a modern superpower and the revival of a historic club eager to reclaim its place at the top.

For Barcelona, a fourth title in five years would solidify their dynasty. For Arsenal, a first European crown since 2007 would represent the culmination of a rebuilding journey fueled by belief, resilience, and the talents of a player who once helped build the Barça empire.

Whether Caldentey scores or not, her presence adds emotional depth to what promises to be an unforgettable showdown.

Explore more in Football

• Lyon poised for Women's Champions League final after edging Arsenal
• Alessia Russo shines as Arsenal crush Tottenham in north London derby
• Central Coast Mariners win A-League Women’s title in dramatic shootout