Caldentey's Arsenal hoping to break Barca Champions League hegemony
Arsenal's Spanish midfielder Mariona Caldentey will face her former side Barcelona in the Champions League final (JUSTIN TALLIS)
Powered by former Barcelona star Mariona Caldentey, Arsenal must upset the odds against the all-conquering Catalan giants on Saturday to prevent them winning a fourth women's Champions League title in five years.
Reaching their sixth final in seven years, Barcelona aim to further tighten their grip on the women's game at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon against Renee Slegers' side.
Advertisement
The Dutch coach replaced Jonas Eidevall in October on an interim basis, made permanent in January as the team's form improved dramatically under her.
In the Champions League Arsenal produced a stirring quarter-final second-leg comeback to eliminate Real Madrid and then thrashed record eight-time winners Lyon 4-1 in France to reach the final.
While Lyon are the record holders, Barcelona have been Europe's dominant force in the last five years.
The Catalans eased into their fifth consecutive final by destroying English domestic treble winners Chelsea 8-2 on aggregate.
Barcelona, who won the Champions League in 2021, 2023 and 2024, also sealed a sixth-consecutive Liga F victory and are well-placed to repeat last season's quadruple.
Advertisement
They boast two-time Ballon d'Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas as well as an array of other stars, although they have also lost some important players.
One of those is winger Mariona Caldentey, a regular for Barcelona over the last decade who went looking for a new adventure.
The 29-year-old joined Arsenal in July and has become the team's key player, named the Women's Super League player of the season.
"She has given us that next level," said Slegers. "She's a total footballer. She's got everything."
Barca winger Caroline Graham Hansen said it will be strange facing the Spaniard.
Advertisement
"Obviously, she's been missed because she's a very nice person inside the locker room and fantastic player on the pitch," said the Norwegian.
"So it's going to be weird to see her on the other side...
"(Hopefully) I won't see any goals from her on Saturday."
Of course, Caldentey has other plans.
"I hope I can score, but I wouldn't celebrate," she told Mundo Deportivo.
"I have a lot of respect for Barca for everything they gave me, how they helped me, and I'll always show that respect."
While Barcelona have three Champions League trophies in four years, Arsenal have won the competition just once, back when it was the UEFA Women's Cup in 2007.
Advertisement
This is their first Champions League final since then.
- Back to the start -
The final is Barcelona's 100th European match, 13 years after their first, also against Arsenal.
Back then the Gunners were a far greater force than their opponents and romped to a 7-0 aggregate win over Barcelona in the Champions League round of 32.
Kim Little scored in that tie and should feature for Arsenal in the final, along with the only other survivor from that era -- Barca's Putellas.
This season it took Barcelona some time to find their best under coach Pere Romeu, after Jonatan Giraldez left at the end of last season for US women's side Washington Spirit.
Advertisement
The Catalans also had to adapt to a new striker, Poland's Ewa Pajor, who has scored an impressive 43 goals in 45 matches this season.
"It's my dream to win this trophy with this team, but we have to be calm, not obsessive about this trophy," Pajor told UEFA.
"We have to be prepared, to be focused and I hope we win this trophy like a team, because we have amazing, amazing players, amazing coaches and, yes, we can do it."
Barcelona have won their last nine Champions League matches, scoring 44 goals in the process, one shy of Wolfsburg's record 45 in the 2013-14 season.
Claudia Pina has stepped up to fill the gap left by Caldentey and scored 10, making her the competition's top scorer, ahead of Arsenal's Alessia Russo and Caldentey on seven.
rbs/pi
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
8 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Arsenal 18yo confirms he's held talks over loan move
Arsenal goalkeeper Lucas Nygaard has revealed that the club feel he's ready for a loan move, and he's hoping to secure one after the u21 European Championships. Photo via Lucas Nygaard has had an eventful first season with Arsenal, but not always for the right reasons. The 18-year-old goalkeeper had a couple of broken bones in his debut campaign, arguably denying him a first-team debut when the opportunity arose in the League Cup in September. Advertisement 16-year-old Jack Porter ended up starting that game against Bolton Wanderers instead, but Nygaard did make 12 appearances for the Arsenal academy throughout 2024/25. Those games were enough to earn Nygaard a spot in the Denmark u21 squad for the European Championships this summer, which kicked off on Wednesday. Photo via Nygaard on Instagram Speaking to the media ahead of the Championships, Nygaard revealed that Arsenal are planning a loan move for his next step into senior football. 'We've been talking, me and Arsenal, for the past six months about me going out on loan,' Nygaard said (via Sport Witness). 'Both they and I feel that I'm ready to play some senior football and get the development that comes with it. I hope that will happen. Advertisement 'It could be anywhere, but I would also like to return to Denmark. Something in the first division would be really cool, so we're looking at that too. 'I feel ready to come back and play senior football.' Photo via For the time being, the focus is on the u21 Euros, which will run until at least June 18th for Nygaard and Denmark. If they make it out of the group, Nygaard could remain on international duty until June 28th at the latest, the day of the final. Once the tournament is turn, Nygaard's attentions will turn to finding a new home for the 2025/26 campaign. With any luck, a few positive appearances at the u21 Euros could help that process along.
Yahoo
15 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Report: Spurs urged to act fast as new boss eyes key £45m transfer move
Report: Frank Urges Spurs to Sign Tel as Transfer Talks with Bayern Loom Tottenham Hotspur are wasting no time in reshaping their future, with Brentford boss Thomas Frank reportedly set to take charge and already influencing their transfer policy. According to TEAMtalk, Frank has made clear to the Spurs hierarchy that he wants the club to sign Mathys Tel permanently, following a promising loan spell at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Advertisement This comes just weeks after Spurs lifted the Europa League trophy — their first major honour in 17 years — with a tense 1-0 win over Manchester United. Ironically, that silverware was not enough to save Ange Postecoglou's job, with Daniel Levy acting swiftly to make a change at the helm. It appears Levy now sees Frank as the man to lead Spurs into a new era, one built on high pressing, energy and, crucially, young talent like Tel. Tel's profile fits Frank's vision Frank's admiration for Tel is more than superficial. Sources close to TEAMtalk indicate that Frank values the 20-year-old's adaptability, relentless work ethic and attacking flair. Tel's direct style, described by James Maddison as that of a 'very direct player' who has 'done well', suits Frank's high-octane philosophy perfectly. Tel's technical skills and positional intelligence have already won over sections of the Spurs support. His ability to drift between the lines, burst past defenders, and apply pressure from the front is precisely the kind of forward play that defined Frank's success at Brentford. The Dane sees Tel as an ideal fit for a refreshed Tottenham frontline, potentially playing off the shoulder of a central striker or drifting inside from wide areas. Advertisement Tel's time in north London has evidently been a success. Signed on loan from Bayern Munich in January, he has grown in confidence and influence, and crucially, he is reportedly eager to extend his stay. 'Sources have told TEAMtalk that Tel himself is enthusiastic about staying at Tottenham, drawn by the club's ambitious project and the fact he has enjoyed his time in London and at the club.' Photo IMAGO Of course, sentiment alone will not finalise the transfer. Tel remains under contract at Bayern Munich, and while the Bundesliga champions are open to a sale, they are reportedly ready to drive a hard bargain. Spurs currently hold a £45million purchase option, but sources suggest that negotiations are already in motion to reduce that fee. Daniel Levy, well known for his tough negotiating style, will likely seek to trim the cost while leveraging Tel's settled position in London. Advertisement Tottenham are hoping that Tel's desire to stay — and his willingness to work under Frank — could tip the scales. For now, there's cautious optimism within the club that a deal can be struck. Strengthening for the Champions League push Tottenham's ambitions for next season are clear. With Champions League football secured via their Europa League triumph, the club are aiming for a more consistent domestic campaign, and the retention of talents like Tel could play a pivotal role in that mission. Frank's early push for Tel suggests he views the Frenchman as a cornerstone for his tactical rebuild. Given the uncertainty surrounding other attacking targets such as Bryan Mbeumo, and with Spurs also linked to alternatives at Everton and Crystal Palace, locking down a proven internal option might be the most pragmatic move. Advertisement In a market flooded with inflated prices and speculative talent, Tel offers Tottenham both continuity and potential. And with Frank eager to get started, sealing this deal swiftly could be the first significant step in defining the new Spurs era. Photo: IMAGO Our View – EPL Index Analysis From a Spurs fan's viewpoint, the pursuit of Mathys Tel is not just a sensible move — it's a vital one. At just 20, Tel has already shown he has the tools to be an important contributor in a team that's about to embark on a Champions League campaign. His performances since January have been promising, even electrifying at times. We've seen players come in on loan and fade, but Tel has done the opposite. He's grown. Advertisement Thomas Frank's desire to retain Tel only adds to the optimism. The Danish manager's attacking football at Brentford was thrilling, and his emphasis on intelligent pressing and positional interchange is a breath of fresh air. Tel fits that system, and crucially, he wants to be here. Supporters are used to transfer sagas dragging on, especially under Levy's watch, but this is one deal that needs early closure. If Tel is happy, Frank is keen and the price is negotiable, why wait? Securing Tel sends a message — that this rebuild isn't just talk. It's action. We've waited 17 years for silverware. Let's not wait another 17 to build on it.
Yahoo
15 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Two factors that are stalling Barcelona attacker's move to AS Monaco
Two factors that are stalling Barcelona attacker's move to AS Monaco Earlier in the summer, it was reported that AS Monaco are determined to get hold of Ansu Fati for next season. The French club are interested in the Barcelona outcast, who has struggled to establish himself as a first-team regular under Hansi Flick. Advertisement However, the move appears to have stalled lately, with Barcelona yet to find an agreement with AS Monaco surrounding the player's exit. Two factors impacting Fati deal A recent report from Diario SPORT has indicated that there are two reasons why Fati's move to Monaco is stalling. The first point of contention lies in the transfer formula. Barcelona and Monaco have yet to agree on whether the deal will be a permanent sale or a loan with a purchase option. Will Ansu Fati soon join AS Monaco this summer? (Photo by) Monaco are reportedly pushing for a loan, which would allow them to assess Fati's form and fitness over the course of the season before committing to a long-term investment. Advertisement Barcelona, however, are more inclined to secure a clean sale, especially as they continue to work on reducing their wage bill and generating funds for new signings. This comes shortly after reports of Barcelona rejecting AS Monaco's initial offer for Ansu Fati. The second issue concerns the valuation of the purchase clause. If the deal ends up being a loan with an option to buy, both clubs still need to settle on the final figure. Barcelona are hoping to include a clause close to €15 million, but Monaco have not yet agreed to that price. Negotiations are ongoing, but the gap in valuation is holding back the final stages of the deal. Ansu Fati is expected to return from his holidays next week, with Barcelona facing a tight deadline of completing the transfer by the end of the month.
