Arsenal Women celebrated their first Champions League title in 18 years with a private party in Lisbon, featuring an impromptu concert by singer Jess Glynne, partner of former Lioness Alex Scott. The party, which lasted into the early hours of Sunday, followed a 1-0 victory over Barcelona in the final.
Club co-chair Josh Kroenke delivered a passionate speech praising the team effort, with special recognition for head coach Renée Slegers and head of women's football Clare Wheatley. Club legends in attendance included Alex Scott, who scored in Arsenal's previous European final, as well as Michael Thomas, Vic Akers, Lianne Sanderson, Karen Carney, Jordan Nobbs, and Jen Beattie.
As drinks flowed, Jess Glynne performed live, joined in a duet by midfielder Victoria Pelova. Arsenal remain the only British women's club to have won the European title. The celebrations are expected to continue in London on Monday.
After the match, striker Alessia Russo, fighting back tears, said: 'Everyone was crying. It means so much to us, to all the people involved in this club, the fans, the backroom staff... That’s what we were playing for.' About 5,000 Arsenal fans partied along Lisbon's Pink Street before and after the game.
