'Saved the club from embarrassment!' - Ian Wright aims dig at Mikel Arteta's side after Arsenal Women enjoy stunning win over Barcelona to lift Champions League

Arsenal etched their name into European football history once again as they secured the Women’s Champions League title in Lisbon, defeating Barcelona 1-0 in a tightly contested final. This marks the North London side’s first continental triumph since 2007, ending an 18-year wait and reviving the club’s glory days in women's football.

Swedish forward Stina Blackstenius, introduced from the bench, netted the game’s only goal to stun a Barcelona team that had dominated the tournament in recent years. With three Champions League titles in the past four seasons, the Catalan giants entered the final as firm favourites, but Arsenal defied the odds.

Arsenal legend Wright, who was present at the Estadio José Alvalade for the final, didn’t hold back in his praise for the women’s team. Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Wright emphasized the importance of the victory not only in sporting terms but also for the broader morale of the club.

“Saved the club from the embarrassment of getting nothing this season when we played so well in the season with the men," he said.

“The ladies have saved the club, we have got something to celebrate. Of course they need a parade, they have beaten Barcelona in the Champions League [final], no one gave them a chance. Even I was saying it was going to be tough because they average four goals a game!

“So we needed to score goals to make sure that we beat them, in the end it was only one but everybody wrote them off. They deserve everything they are getting, all the accolades because this is a magnificent achievement. Look how far it’s come, I remember the Champions League being at Boreham Wood, look where we are and Arsenal winning it, it’s amazing!”

Arsenal’s return to the final after nearly two decades had all the makings of a fairytale, especially against a Barcelona side many assumed would dominate. Yet, under the guidance of head coach Renee Slegers, the Gunners displayed tactical discipline and unwavering belief. And with that, the Gunners can celebrate not only a historic win but the pride of a club that refused to be overlooked.