Katie McCabe stars as Arsenal beat Barcelona to claim Champions League
James Cox
Arsenal have beaten Barcelona in the Women's Champions League final, with Ireland's Katie McCabe playing a key role.
Stina Blackstenius came off the bench to give the Gunners a 1-0 win in Lisbon.
Republic of Ireland star Katie McCabe was central in getting her team back to the top of European football.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, the Dubliner said she's had a long journey to get here.
McCabe paid tribute to Irish stars Emma Byrne, Ciara Grant and Yvonne Tracy, who were part of the Arsenal team who won the club's first Champions League title in 2007.
"They taught me what it meant to be a professional footballer and play for Arsenal and wear the badge and here I am.
"It's just an unbelievable feeling. I'm a Champions League winner, we all are. To give that to our fans today, they've been unbelievable and with us for every kick of the game."
Arsenal withstood a flurry of Barca chances before Blackstenius broke the deadlock in the 75th minute.
TheSweden international latched onto fellow substitute Beth Mead's reverse pass in a crowded area and fired a low diagonal shot past goalkeeper Catalina Coll at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Renee Slegers' Gunners, making their second appearance in the final having won Europe's top club competition in 2007, held on to win against a Barca side going for a third straight Champions League title.
McCabe played the full 90 minutes of the final, which took place at Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal. - Additional reporting from Reuters
