Arsenal Women FC booked their place in the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2026 final with a commanding 6-0 victory over ASFAR Rabat at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium on Wednesday, www.aclsports.com reports.
The UEFA Champions League holders quickly took control, shrugging off early pressure from the Moroccan champions and asserting themselves as tournament favourites.
Arsenal broke the deadlock in the 8th minute from a Caldentey corner. Laia Codina’s header was punched by ASFAR goalkeeper Khadija El-Rmichi, looping over the line before VAR confirmed the opener.
Four minutes later, the Gunners doubled their lead through a slick move down the right flank, teenage debutant Smilla Holmberg delivered a teasing cross that Olivia Smith chested down for Frida Maanum to finish from close range. ASFAR briefly threatened when 2025 CAF Interclub Player of the Year Sanaâ Mssoudy found space to shoot, but Arsenal’s dominance remained total.
The third goal came in the 21st minute when Holmberg’s shot struck Zineb Redouani’s hand. Mariona Caldentey calmly converted the resulting penalty. Just before half-time, Olivia Smith made it 4-0 after a clever pass from Victoria Pelova and a precise finish from the edge of the box.
The second half followed the same pattern, with Arsenal controlling possession and creating numerous chances. Caitlin Foord’s cross nearly found Stina Blackstenius, while Maanum forced an excellent save from El-Rmichi with some skillful footwork.
Substitute Alessia Russo added the fifth in the 66th minute, dancing past a defender before hammering a powerful finish into the far corner. Ten minutes later, she completed her brace, latching onto a perfect through ball from Foord to calmly seal the 6-0 rout.
The win sets up a final against Corinthians at the Arsenal Stadium on Sunday, 1 February. ASFAR Rabat will contest the third-place play-off against Gotham.
