Arsenal?s comeback queens face ultimate Barcelona test in Champions League final

New chapter in Arsenal?s storied history awaits as they aim to end continental drought in a sold-out Lisbon final
After 18 years, Arsenal are back in the biggest game in women?s European football with a dream to end their long wait for continental glory. They face the holders, the favourites and the much-revered Barcelona, who are aiming to win the Champions League for a third consecutive season on a picture-perfect weekend in Lisbon.
Strolling along tree-lined paths through the Portuguese capital?s sun-kissed Parque Eduardo VII, as a group of Barcelona fans cross paths with two Arsenal supporters wearing full red-and-white kit and exchange a few friendly quips about Saturday?s final, it is hard not to feel a pang of sympathy for the 3,467 attendees who saw Arsenal lift the Uefa Women?s Cup ? as it was known in 2007 ? in the somewhat less glamorous surroundings of Boreham Wood FC?s Meadow Park. In those days, the competition concluded with a two-legged home-and-away final. Arsenal followed up their 1-0 away win against the Swedish club Ume? ? thanks to an Alex Scott scorcher ? with a goalless draw to deliver what remains the greatest moment in the club?s history.
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