Arsenal Women Dominate AS Far to Secure Champions Cup Final Spot
A commanding and professional display from Arsenal Women saw them secure a comprehensive 6-0 victory over Moroccan champions AS Far in the semi-final of the inaugural FIFA Women's Champions Cup. The emphatic win at Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium booked Arsenal's place in Sunday's final, where they will face Brazilian side Corinthians, who earlier caused an upset by defeating Gotham FC 1-0.
First-Half Blitz Sets the Tone
Arsenal established their dominance early with four first-half goals that effectively ended the contest before the interval. Stina Blackstenius opened the scoring in the 8th minute, with goalline technology confirming her header had crossed the line despite a desperate clearance attempt. Frida Maanum doubled the advantage just four minutes later with a composed finish after turning her marker.
The third goal arrived from the penalty spot after a handball by AS Far's Zineb Redouani was detected by VAR, with Mariona Caldentey converting confidently. Olivia Smith added the fourth before half-time, allowing manager Renée Slegers the luxury of rotating her squad and resting key players ahead of Sunday's final and next week's crucial Women's Super League clash against leaders Manchester City.
Russo Completes the Rout
Substitute Alessia Russo entered the fray at the hour mark and made an immediate impact, scoring twice within ten minutes to complete the scoring. Her clinical finishing demonstrated the depth of quality in Arsenal's squad as they maintained their intensity throughout the match.
"The players dealt so well with the unknown because it's the first time we played against them," said Slegers after the match. "I'm really happy with that. We are very together at the moment. We're connected on the pitch. We're doing things with a lot of discipline."
Historic Encounter Despite Scoreline
This match marked the first competitive meeting between a European women's club and an African women's club in official competition. AS Far, who have won two African Champions League titles in four years, represented their continent with dignity despite the challenging circumstances.
"First of all, compliments to the opposition," acknowledged Slegers. "Of course, it was a hard game for them tonight, but I think the way they presented themselves and the way they represented football in Morocco and as the champions of Africa, it was very inspirational."
The Moroccan side set up defensively with a back five and four in midfield, but the developmental gulf between the teams proved too significant to overcome. Arsenal's experienced and potent starting lineup delivered the efficient performance required at this stage of the season.
Looking Ahead to the Final
With the Women's Champions League resuming in two weeks and domestic pressures mounting, this tournament comes at a demanding period for Arsenal. However, with a trophy at stake and a share of the £1.7 million prize fund available, the incentive remains strong.
"Now we've earned the right to play in the final, that's one step closer to being history makers and that's what we want to be," declared Slegers. "Full respect to Corinthians and what they did against Gotham, that was very impressive, so it's going to be a tough game."
The final promises to be a compelling contest between European and South American champions, with Arsenal seeking to cap their impressive semi-final performance with silverware on Sunday.
