Latest news with #AitanaBonmati
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mariona: We knew Arsenal could do it against Barcelona
The ex-Barcelona playmaker set the tempo and delivered in both directions as Arsenal beat the odds to end Catalan dominance in Europe. Photo byMariona Caldentey said Arsenal's second-ever Women's Champions League title was a result of belief, hard work and knowing exactly what it would take to beat her former club, Barcelona. Advertisement Arsenal had less possession and fewer chances in Lisbon, but made theirs count. 'We knew we could do it and we did,' Caldentey said after the 1–0 win. 'We defended well and played a bit on the counter, which is not our style, but we knew that was what would help us to win.' Stina Blackstenius scored the only goal after a smart move Caldentey helped set up. She held the ball on the edge of the area, waited for the right moment, then found Beth Mead with a square pass, who slid a beautiful reverse ball through for the Swede to finish. It was exactly the kind of cool-headed play Arsenal needed. Photo byIt was an emotional night for Caldentey, who left Barcelona last summer after 10 years to join Arsenal. She played further back than usual and spent much of the game closing down space for Aitana Bonmatí, who couldn't believe Barcelona lost, and Patri Guijarro, but still found the moments to influence the match. Advertisement 'To play against Barcelona and these players is very difficult,' she said. 'We suffered a lot.' But Arsenal's discipline and organisation saw them through, with Renee Slegers' side managing the game smartly once ahead. Caldentey, already a three-time Champions League winner with Barcelona, lifted the trophy for a fourth time – but this one clearly meant something different. Photo byNamed WSL Player of the Season, her quality all season has been undeniable despite it being her first in England, scoring 16 and assisting seven in the league and Champions League. And with Spain heading into the Euros this summer, she looks set to be just as important for her country. Advertisement The final whistle brought wild celebrations from Arsenal, and quiet reflection from Caldentey, who went to comfort her old teammates. Photo by'There are no secrets with Barça,' she had said before the game. 'You know what they're going to do, but the difficult part is how you stop them.' On the biggest stage of all, Arsenal, and Caldentey, did exactly that.
Forbes
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati Named Champions League Player Of The Season
Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati was named the Women's Champions League player of the season by UEFA on Sunday, as the 27-year-old received the award for the third year in a row. Bonmati, one of the greatest players in women's football, was part of the Barcelona team that was stunned 1-0 by Arsenal in the final in Lisbon on Saturday, which ended the Spanish champions' dreams of completing a three-peat of Women's Champions League titles. But the defeat did not tarnish Bonmati's excellent European campaign, where she enjoyed a total of nine goal contributions in 11 appearances for the Catalan club. The Spaniard registered five assists, the joint-highest total, and scored four goals. Bonmati, winner of the last two Ballon d'Ors, netted an excellent solo effort in the second leg of the semi-final against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, which Barcelona won 4-1. The UEFA Technical Observer Group said of her performance in that triumph: "Aitana scored an outstanding technical solo goal to change the game, opening the scoring and settling the tie. She always wanted the ball to link play, and her leadership was visible to help Barcelona manage the game and dictate the rhythm." Bonmati, who has won three Champions League titles with Barcelona and the 2023 World Cup with Spain, also made it to the Champions League's team of the 2024-25 season. She was joined by three of her Barcelona teammates, namely Mapi Leon, Patri Guijarro, and Claudia Pina, the competition's top scorer with 10 goals. Arsenal, who won their second Champions League trophy at the weekend, had five players in the All Stars XI. The Gunners were represented in every department, from goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar to defensive duo Leah Williamson and Emily Fox, midfielder Mariona Caldentey and forward Alessio Russo - the second-highest scorer with seven goals. The Team of the Season was rounded out by a pair of talents whose teams reached the semi-finals: Young Player of the Season Melchie Dumornay of Lyon and Chelsea full-back Sandy Baltimore. With Saturday's Champions League final, Aitana Bonmati ended her 2024-25 season with 15 goals and 12 assists in 43 games across all competitions.
Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati named Women's Champions League player of the season
Aitana Bonmati (centre)contributed five assists and four goals to Barca's European campaign. PHOTO: EPA-EFE BARCELONA - Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati was named the Women's Champions League player of the season on May 25 after the Spanish champions reached their fifth consecutive final of the competition. Bonmati, recognised for the third year in a row, contributed five assists and four goals to Barca's European campaign but they were unable to lift the trophy for a third straight year, losing the final 1-0 to Arsenal on May 24. The 27-year-old Spanish international also topped the list of the season's best goals with her outstanding solo effort in the second leg of the semi-final against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Bonmati evaded a challenge from Niamh Charles and steamed through the Chelsea half before lashing the ball into the top corner to give Barcelona the lead that paved the way for another 4-1 win and saw them book a spot in the final. Five Arsenal players were named in the competition's team of the season: goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar, defenders Emily Fox and Leah Williamson and forwards Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo. Barcelona's Bonmati, Maria Leon, Patricia Guijarro and Claudia Pina also made the list, alongside Chelsea's Sandy Baltimore and Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Melchie Dumornay, 21, who was also recognised as best young player of the season. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Barca's Bonmati named Women's Champions League player of the season
Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati was named the Women's Champions League player of the season on Sunday after the Spanish champions reached their fifth consecutive final of the competition. Bonmati, recognised for the third year in a row, contributed five assists and four goals to Barca's European campaign but they were unable to lift the trophy for a third straight year, losing the final 1-0 to Arsenal on Saturday. The 27-year-old Spanish international also topped the list of the season's best goals with her outstanding solo effort in the second leg of the semi-final against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Bonmati evaded a challenge from Niamh Charles and steamed through the Chelsea half before lashing the ball into the top corner to give Barcelona the lead that paved the way for another 4-1 win and saw them book a spot in the final. Five Arsenal players were named in the competition's team of the season: goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar, defenders Emily Fox and Leah Williamson and forwards Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo. Barca's Bonmati, Maria Leon, Patricia Guijarro and Claudia Pina also made the list, alongside Chelsea's Sandy Baltimore and Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Melchie Dumornay, 21, who was also recognised as best young player of the season. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Reuters
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Barca's Bonmati named Women's Champions League player of the season
May 25 (Reuters) - Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati was named the Women's Champions League player of the season on Sunday after the Spanish champions reached their fifth consecutive final of the competition. Bonmati, recognised for the third year in a row, contributed five assists and four goals to Barca's European campaign but they were unable to lift the trophy for a third straight year, losing the final 1-0 to Arsenal on Saturday. The 27-year-old Spanish international also topped the list of the season's best goals with her outstanding solo effort in the second leg of the semi-final against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Bonmati evaded a challenge from Niamh Charles and steamed through the Chelsea half before lashing the ball into the top corner to give Barcelona the lead that paved the way for another 4-1 win and saw them book a spot in the final. Five Arsenal players were named in the competition's team of the season: goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar, defenders Emily Fox and Leah Williamson and forwards Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo. Barca's Bonmati, Maria Leon, Patricia Guijarro and Claudia Pina also made the list, alongside Chelsea's Sandy Baltimore and Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Melchie Dumornay, 21, who was also recognised as best young player of the season.
