‘Euphoria’ as Arsenal reach first European final in 18 years

18 years in the making of Arsenal’s exuberant and emotional celebrations at the end of the match in Lyon.

The Gunners haven’t last competed in a Champions League final for how long, and it looked like a pipe dream six months ago.

However, in North London, things are back to normal after what has frequently been a turbulent campaign with sluggish results and a manager change.

Arsenal overcame a 2-1 first-leg deficit to reach the Champions League final, where they will face holders Barcelona, with a stunning comeback victory over eight-time champions Lyon in France.

A first-half own goal by Lyon in the opening five minutes set the tone for a difficult night.

Alessia Russo and Caitlin Foord scored the Gunners’ impressive and deserved victory, but Mariona Caldentey’s excellent strike was followed by another excellent goal.

In a high-pressure encounter with a formidable opponent, boss Renee Slegers called her “unbelievable.”

“How relaxed we were, I’m so happy because so much work went into this game.”

Arsenal has made a long journey to the final.

They have participated in 14 Champions League games this season, starting with their first qualifying match against Rangers back in September. In this style of play, no team has ever done it.

Arsenal appeared to be in danger of eroding as Chelsea prepared to win the Women’s Super League title for the sixth time in a row.

Instead, they have been able to overcome a first-leg deficit against top European opponents to reach the Champions League final, which Chelsea were unable to do.

Although the performance by Lyon’s boss Joe Montemurro was “perplexing” and “inexplicable,” it was not at their best.

However, Arsenal capitalized on that and won the first-ever two-legged European semi-final away from home.

Kim Little, a veteran player at Arsenal’s full-time who turns 35 in June, poured out the emotions at full-time.

Little dominated the midfield match with her silky passes and hysterical footwork, dominating with Spaniard Caldentey.

“I can’t believe she’s playing at this level and progressing.” Former Chelsea forward Karen Carney said on TNT Sports that she is a result of her attitude and application.

Her and Caldentey’s relationship is characterized by her being able to attack with her body, and her calmness keeping the conversation at bay.

I’ve never witnessed her getting emotional at the end. She is a classy person and player.

Arsenal were victorious, scoring four goals from six shots on target, inspired by their 500 or so traveling fans, who had been given a section of the 60, 000-capacity stadium on their own.

Foord scored their fourth goal, “I think we played really well and created the momentum.”

Slegers played for the Gunners’ academy the last time Arsenal reached the Champions League final.

The former midfielder will lead the team to the final of Europe’s top competition 18 years later, becoming only the second woman to do so.

The 36-year-old recalls watching the final on television but says she can’t recall much about the 2006-07 campaign, which saw Arsenal win a historic quadruple.

“I can’t recall having many role models when watching football on television in the Netherlands back then. She said, “I visited England and watched them train, and it was very inspiring to see them win in the Champions League.”

Slegers has completely transformed Arsenal’s fortunes, starting with Jonas Eidevall’s replacement, then his interim boss, and four months later, being appointed permanent.

She has been successful in stabilizing the ship in a season of change and occasionally turmoil, as well as doing what Eidevall could not: extract the best from a squad that has long appeared ready-made for success.

Former England midfielder Fara Williams told TNT Sports, “Arsenal had some really difficult moments in the early years of the season, especially when Eidevall was in charge.”

“Slegers has provided them with something entirely new. You can tell a significant shift in the players.

They have recently been the strongest WSL team. Today, they were outstanding.

Russo is now Arsenal’s top scorer with 19 goals overall and had just one goal and one assist in his first nine games this year.

Chloe Kelly has also demonstrated her class. She had looked almost out when she was struggling for minutes at Manchester City, but a January move to the Gunners has reawakened her and made her best.

Arsenal may have won ties with Real Madrid and now Lyon by getting their tactics right the second time, but the final game against Barcelona will be the toughest test for them to come against. They are aware that they must first get it right.

The champions have lost to Lyon in two of the previous five Champions League finals, winning three of them.

Any outcome is possible in a final, said Foord, “it’s going to be a tough game.” It will thrill us. We are eager to take them on because it’s an exciting time for us.

Caldentey, who has won the trophy three times with her former club at Barca, could face a significant challenge.

The 29-year-old’s skill and knowledge were apparent throughout the match against Lyon, and she was clearly visible dictating where the ball should go.

Her eighth goal in her 11 Champions League starts have been scored in crucial moments, such as the one that gave Arsenal the lead in the French match.