sevendayweekender – Tears streamed down Arsenal manager Renee Slegers’ face as gold and red confetti shimmered behind her. The scene was electric in Lisbon, where Arsenal had just won the Women’s Champions League trophy for the first time in 18 years. A narrow 1-0 victory over European giants Barcelona stunned fans and players alike. This triumph was almost unimaginable just nine months earlier when Slegers served as Arsenal’s assistant manager. The team had endured a tough start, having lost the first leg of their second qualifying round against BK Hacken. Now, standing at the pinnacle of European football, the emotions poured out freely from a usually composed leader.
From Assistant to Champion: Renee Slegers’ Remarkable Journey
Renee Slegers’ rise from assistant to permanent manager marks a remarkable turnaround for Arsenal. After a rocky start to the season, including just one win in their first four Women’s Super League (WSL) matches, the atmosphere at the club was tense. Fans worried, and former manager Jonas Eidevall stepped down amid mounting pressure. Slegers took over as interim manager in October, with an immediate impact. She led Arsenal to an unbeaten run of 11 games—winning 10 and drawing one. By mid-January, the club made her appointment permanent. Her leadership steadied the squad, earning praise from key players like Katie McCabe and Leah Williamson. Slegers’ calm but determined approach sparked a turnaround that carried Arsenal through the rest of the season.
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Overcoming Odds: Arsenal’s Grueling Road to the Final
Arsenal’s journey to the Women’s Champions League final was a marathon, not a sprint. As the first team to play 15 games before lifting the trophy, their path was uniquely demanding. Finishing third in the WSL meant they had to win three rounds of qualifiers. Many doubted their chances, especially after defeats to Bayern Munich and the tough losses in the early league games. Despite this, Arsenal steadily built momentum. After a convincing 4-1 win over Valerenga in the group stage, they continued to dominate. In the knockout rounds, Arsenal earned a reputation as ‘comeback queens,’ overturning first-leg deficits against Real Madrid and Lyon. The resilience and grit displayed highlighted the team’s refusal to accept defeat.
The Final: A Historic Night in Lisbon
The final in Lisbon was more than a match; it was a celebration of Arsenal’s legacy and future. Club co-owner Josh Kroenke flew in from Denver to join executives and directors for the landmark event. Club legends were invited to witness the moment, while academy players watched eagerly from the stands, dreaming of their own futures. Approximately 4,500 fans traveled from London to support the Gunners, filling the vibrant Pink Street near Lisbon’s harbor with color and noise. England goalkeeper Mary Earps also showed her support, wearing an Arsenal shirt with teammate Alessia Russo’s name on the back. The entire Arsenal community had gathered for a party — but winning the trophy was a dream few dared to believe.
Arsenal’s Legacy Secured, Inspired by 2007 Champions
The echoes of Arsenal’s first Women’s Champions League win in 2007 still resonated deeply. This week, the current squad joined members of that historic team for a lunch filled with stories and inspiration. The 2007 victory was a symbol of underdog resilience, and this year’s team drew strength from that memory. Against all expectations, they captured a second title nearly 15 years later, proving their place among Europe’s elite. Renee Slegers’ team not only lifted the trophy but redefined what determination and belief can achieve in women’s football. Their triumph stands as a testament to overcoming adversity, steady leadership, and the power of teamwork.
