‘Not often you can write Arsenal history’ – Gunners claim Fifa Women’s Champions Cup against Corinthians

For Arsenal, the Champions Cup title comes at a vital moment of the season.

Having failed to capitalize on Chelsea’s faltering WSL campaign, having been knocked out of the League Cup by Manchester United less than a fortnight ago, the tournament has provided a welcome distraction and victory will give them a boost heading into the second half of the campaign.

However, they had to do it the hard way in the final against determined rivals Brazil.

The home side dominated much of the title challenge and failed to pull away from Corinthians, but their quality proved the difference in extra time as Frida Maanum sent Foord through on goal to secure Arsenal’s silver medal.

“Today is football in every aspect,” said coach Renee Slegers, who won the Champions League with the club last season.

“There was good football, duels and changes of momentum. I’m proud of the team in the rain, we get over the line in those conditions and find a way to win this game.”

The Gunners were minutes away from a regular-time victory when Katie McCabe conceded an injury-time penalty from Vic Albuquerque that tied the game at 2-2 and forced extra time.

Little said: “We showed incredible character and resilience, conceded a goal in the last minute and came back in extra time.

“Things happen in football. You have to bounce back. We showed that when we went into extra time, we created chances and Caitlin scored a great goal to take the win.

“We have an incredible squad of players and staff and it feels great to get more silverware for this club.”

Arsenal, which is 13 points behind leader Manchester City in the WSL, will also survive in the FA Cup and turn their focus to defending the Champions League title when they will face OH-Leuven in the last 16 later this month.

And this victory will be a chance for Slegers and his players.