The Eire worldwide performed a key function in Arsenal’s shock victory over Barcelona and mentioned the membership’s long-suffering followers had been entrance of thoughts at full-time.
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Katie McCabe devoted Arsenal’s Champions League triumph to the supporters after a 1-0 win over Barcelona in Lisbon, and needed to apologise stay on air after swearing within the emotion of the second.
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“We suffered collectively,” McCabe informed . “Barcelona threw all the pieces at us, however we fought collectively and we bought there. This was for our followers at this time. We’re all European champions. It’s superb.” Because the adrenaline took over, she added, “I’m simply so f——” earlier than catching herself and shortly saying, “Sorry for swearing, I’m simply buzzing.”
Leah Williamson, who lifted the trophy with Kim Little, had an analogous second throughout her personal post-match interview. “I’m gonna f—— cry,” she mentioned, overwhelmed, earlier than additionally apologising.
No one cared and everyone understood.
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Arsenal secured their second European title, and their first since 2007, due to a 74th-minute purpose from Stina Blackstenius, who completed low into the underside nook after a intelligent reverse move from Beth Mead. The purpose got here simply seven minutes after each had come off the bench.
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Barcelona dominated possession, as anticipated, however Arsenal’s form and self-discipline had been excellent. Daphne van Domselaar made essential saves to disclaim Aitana Bonmati and Claudia Pina, whereas Katie McCabe, Emily Fox and Williamson all made key defensive interventions.
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Arsenal had a purpose dominated out within the first half, when Irene Paredes changed into her personal internet, just for VAR to rule Frida Maanum half a leg offside within the build-up. Maanum additionally compelled Cata Coll right into a fingertip save from lengthy vary.
After the ultimate whistle, McCabe mirrored on her journey since becoming a member of the membership in 2015. “After I first got here to the membership, I used to be a younger, naive child who came to visit from Dublin. To be right here now could be simply an unbelievable feeling.
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“This was for our followers at this time. We’re all European champions. It’s superb.”
Arsenal are nonetheless the one English membership to have gained the UEFA Ladies’s Champions League, and now they’ve finished it twice.
Over 5,000 Arsenal supporters had been in Lisbon to witness the second, and for McCabe, there was little question the place the credit score lay. “This was for them,” she mentioned.
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