Women’s Champions Cup Concludes with Arsenal’s Victory
The inaugural Women’s Champions Cup concluded with Arsenal clinching a thrilling 3-2 victory over Brazil’s Corinthians in London on Sunday, thanks to Caitlin Foord’s decisive goal during extra time. The match unfolded at the Emirates Stadium, where a heavy downpour added to the dramatic setting.
Match Highlights
Arsenal, who earned their place in this intercontinental tournament by securing the UEFA Women’s Champions League title, displayed resilience throughout the match. The game began with Olivia Smith putting Arsenal ahead in the 15th minute after capitalizing on a deflection from Corinthians goalkeeper Leticia. However, Corinthians responded quickly; six minutes later, Gabriela Zanotti found the net, leveling the score at 1-1.
The action intensified in the second half when Lotte Wubben-Moy headed home a goal from Emily Fox’s corner kick in the 58th minute, giving Arsenal a 2-1 lead. Just as it seemed Arsenal would secure the title, a dramatic stoppage time penalty kick, awarded after a foul by Katie McCabe, allowed Victoria to score for Corinthians, equalizing the match at 2-2.
Despite this setback, Arsenal regained control as Foord netted her goal in the 104th minute, sealing the championship. In unfortunate news for Arsenal, goalkeeper Anneke Borbe was stretchered off towards the end of the match following a collision.
Prize and Future of Women’s Football
With this victory, Arsenal not only claimed the trophy but also received a prize of $2.3 million, while Corinthians walked away with $1 million as the tournament runners-up. Earlier in the day, Gotham FC secured third place, defeating ASFAR 4-0, with Khyah Harper scoring first and Midge Purce contributing the last goal of the match.
The Women’s Champions Cup brought together champions from various regional leagues, underlining the growth and importance of women’s club football following the success of events such as the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Plans for expansion of women’s club competitions continue to emerge, including a future 16-team Women’s Club World Cup set to debut in 2028.
Notably, the tournament saw two continental champions, Auckland United and Wuhan Chegu Jiangda, eliminated in earlier stages. With the Women’s Champions Cup now annual, excitement builds for future competitions, promising to showcase the talent and competitiveness of women’s football on a global stage.
