Arsenal Women have emphatically booked their place in the final of the inaugural FIFA Women's Champions Cup, delivering a stunning 6-0 semi-final demolition of Moroccan side AS FAR at Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium. The Gunners will now face Brazilian giants Corinthians this Sunday at the Emirates Stadium, with a monumental $2.3 million (£1.67 million) first-place prize on the line.
A First-Half Blitz Sets the Tone
The match was effectively decided before the interval, as Arsenal unleashed a relentless attacking display. Stina Blackstenius broke the deadlock in the eighth minute, with goal-line technology confirming her effort had crossed the line despite a last-ditch clearance attempt from AS FAR captain Aziza Rabbah.
Frida Maanum swiftly doubled the advantage just four minutes later, capitalising on a loose ball and expertly firing into the bottom-right corner past goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi. The pressure continued unabated, and Arsenal were awarded a penalty in the 21st minute after a VAR review confirmed a handball by Zineb Redouani. Mariona Caldentey stepped up and coolly converted the spot-kick, sending the keeper the wrong way.
Despite squandering further opportunities from Olivia Smith and Blackstenius, the Gunners added a fourth before halftime. Smith made amends for her earlier miss, blasting home powerfully with just four minutes remaining in the first period, leaving AS FAR with a mountain to climb.
Russo Seals the Rout from the Bench
The second half saw Arsenal maintain their dominance, with substitute Alessia Russo entering the fray on the hour mark and making an immediate impact. The England striker needed only six minutes to find the net, slotting a low strike past the far post. She completed her brace ten minutes later, expertly finding the opposite corner to round off a comprehensive 6-0 victory.
At the other end, Arsenal goalkeeper Anneke Borbe was largely untroubled, called upon only to make a straightforward save from a Siham Boukhami effort that appeared to be drifting wide. The commanding performance was witnessed from the stands by England manager Sarina Wiegman, who will have been impressed by the clinical display.
Corinthians Await in Historic Final
Arsenal's opponents in Sunday's final were decided earlier, as Corinthians secured a narrow 1-0 victory over NWSL side Gotham FC, thanks to an 83rd-minute winner from Gabi Zanotti. The stage is now set for a blockbuster clash at the Emirates, where the Gunners will not only compete for the prestigious trophy but also a guaranteed financial windfall. As runners-up, they are already assured of at least $1 million (£725,810), with the champions set to claim the top prize of $2.3 million.
This new club competition represents a significant moment in women's football, and Arsenal's dominant semi-final performance has firmly established them as favourites heading into the historic finale.
