Three-quarters of the field might have finished second, third and fourth in the Champions League's league phase, but the team who had to scrabble in to the knockout playoffs on the final day are just as fancied as anyone else.

The last time Arsenal were in the Champions League final, head coach Renee Slegers was playing in the youth academy set up at the club. The 36-year-old took over the club in 2024 and praised her players after the match. "We were unbelievable in a high-pressure moment against a top opponent," she said.

Defending champion Barcelona has reached the women’s Champions League final in dominant fashion after winning 4-1 at Chelsea in their semifinal return leg to advance 8-2 on aggregate.