Arsenal have been crowned the first-ever champions of the Women’s Champions Cup after a 3-2 extra-time win against Brazil’s Corinthians at a rain-soaked Emirates Stadium.
The match, which featured continental champions from across the globe, was decided in the 104th minute by substitute Caitlin Foord.
Her low drive beat Corinthians goalkeeper Lele at the near post, securing the trophy and a record $2.3m (£1.7m) prize for the English side, the largest single award in women’s club football history.
The Gunners seemed destined to win in normal time, holding a 2-1 lead deep into stoppage time.
However, a penalty awarded by referee Katia Itzel Garcia for a challenge by Katie McCabe allowed Corinthians’ Vic Albuquerque to score from the spot in the 96th minute, sending the game into extra time.
Arsenal had started strongly, with Olivia Smith scoring in the 15th minute after goalkeeper Lele saved an initial effort from Stina Blackstenius. Corinthians, backed by a loud and passionate travelling support, responded quickly.
Their 40-year-old captain Gabi Zanotti saw a header deflected in off Arsenal’s Steph Catley to level the score just six minutes later.
The home side retook the lead in the 58th minute through defender Lotte Wubben-Moy, who looped a header from an Emily Fox cross into the net. That goal appeared to be the winner until the late penalty drama.
The victory was slightly marred by a worrying incident in the final moments of extra time. Arsenal goalkeeper Anneke Borbe was stretchered off following a collision with teammate Wubben-Moy. The extent of her injury is not yet known.
In the day’s earlier match, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) champions Gotham FC secured third place with a 4-0 victory over AS FAR Rabat of Morocco.
Arsenal’s players celebrated a hard-fought victory, claiming a unique piece of football history as the inaugural holders of the Women’s Champions Cup.
