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Barcelona’s first-ever European match was against Arsenal. And today, ‘by coincidence’ the 2025 UEFA Women’s Champions League Final will feature both teams going head-to-head for the trophy.
It’s been 13 years since that first meeting on the European stage — September 25, 2012. Alexia Putellas is the only player still in the Barça squad from back then, and she reflects on everything that has happened since.
“In that first match, it was impossible to imagine what would come later. It’s thanks to so many people — players, the club, the fans, the board.”
A lot has changed since then.
“I remember playing at the Miniestadi. It’s incredible how things have changed since we became professionals. We’ve been in six finals. I feel privileged to be part of this journey, and I still have the energy to keep it going.”
Alexia Putellas and Kim Little, past and present
Kim Little is the other remaining player from that 2012 encounter. But with so many matches under her belt for Arsenal, it’s not easy to recall that particular game.
“It’s incredible to have played in 2012 and to now be facing Barcelona again. I don’t remember that match in great detail, but I scored and I hope to keep having memories like that with Arsenal.”
The Gunners captain also reflects on how much the level of women’s football has risen since then, as more clubs have moved towards full professionalism.
In 2019, Barça reached their first final, and since then, the Catalan side has won three Women’s Champions League titles.
“It’s a positive thing because it teaches us how to handle different situations: how to suffer, how to play with the ball when things are going well, and to never give up,” says Aitana Bonmatí.
The way to the final
The two-time Ballon d’Or winner also notes that, although Arsenal haven’t played in a Champions League final for a few years, anything can happen in a match. Especially this season, when Arsenal knocked out Lyon.
“It was a surprise, but they deserve to be in the final. They scored four goals against Lyon, while we’ve never done that,” Bonmatí said.
Renée Slegers’ side reaches the final after two comebacks. The first against Real Madrid, Barcelona’s biggest rival, and the second against Olympique Lyonnais, the most decorated club in Women’s Champions League history.
“We respect Barcelona as a team, they’re very good. I’m humble, but we’re here to win. We need to find ways to do that. There will be momentum shifts, and we need to stay focused and make a lot of decisions on the pitch,” said the Arsenal manager.
Meanwhile, Alessia Russo carries a special sense of belief and resilience within the squad.
“We know Barça are a top side, but looking at the journey we’ve been on, the performances this season, and the work we’ve put in this week, we’re really excited and ready.”
The striker even had lunch earlier this week with members of Arsenal’s 2007 squad to help her ‘understand how special this is’.
