Arsenal Women FC defeated SC Corinthians Women 3–2 in extra time to lift the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup on Sunday, www.aclsports.com reports.
At the Emirates Stadium, the European champions opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Olivia Smith reacted quickest after Stina Blackstenius forced a defensive error, smashing the rebound past Corinthians goalkeeper Lele.
Corinthians equalised on 21 minutes through veteran Gabi Zanotti, who met a corner with a header that Arsenal goalkeeper Anneke Borbe could only parry too late. The score remained 1–1 for most of the first half, with Duda Sampaio testing Borbe with a powerful shot that she tipped over the bar.
The Gunners took the lead in the 59th minute when Emily Fox delivered a cross to Lotte Wubben-Moy, who guided a header into the bottom corner, leaving Lele stranded.
Corinthians pressed for another equaliser, but Borbe produced a crucial one-on-one save to deny Johnson. Arsenal nearly extended their lead late in regulation when Beth Mead’s shot was blocked and Caitlin Foord’s follow-up struck the crossbar.
In stoppage time, Corinthians were awarded a penalty after Katie McCabe challenged Gisela Robledo. Vic Albuquerque calmly converted to send the match into extra time.
Arsenal regained the lead in the 104th minute. Frida Maanum intercepted a pass, drove forward, and found Caitlin Foord, whose curling effort at the near post beat Lele. Corinthians came close again at 117 minutes when Robledo’s long-range strike went narrowly wide. Arsenal held on to win 3–2.
Arsenal will collect $2.3 million, while runners-up Corinthians take home $1 million. Frida Maanum was named Player of the Tournament, and Anneke Borbe received Goalkeeper of the Tournament honours.
In the third-place match earlier, Gotham FC defeated ASFAR Rabat 4–0, with goals from Khyah Harper, Savannah McCaskill, Jaedyn Shaw (penalty), and Midge Purce. Both Gotham FC and ASFAR Rabat, as semi-finalists, receive $200,000 each.
