Arsenal's 6-0 semi shows serious attacking depth — punters may back Arsenal to win the final and expect over 2.5 goals, with Alessia Russo a tempting anytime scorer after her brace; Corinthians' narrow 1-0 win suggests a tighter Brazilian challenge.
Arsenal storm into inaugural FIFA Women's Champions Cup final with 6-0 demolition of AS FAR
Arsenal booked a place in the first-ever FIFA Women's Champions Cup final following a rampant 6-0 semi-final display at Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium. Stina Blackstenius opened the scoring inside eight minutes and the Gunners never looked back, carrying clear superiority into the break and beyond.
Clinical start sets the tone
Blackstenius' early strike was confirmed by goal-line technology after AS FAR captain Aziza Rabbah's late clearance. Frida Maanum doubled the lead minutes later, pouncing on a loose ball and drilling low into the bottom-right corner. The visitors were reduced further when VAR flagged a Zineb Redouani handball, and Mariona Caldentey converted the 21st-minute penalty.
Second-half polish and Russo brace
Olivia Smith added a fourth just before half-time, effectively putting the game beyond doubt. Managerial changes paid off after the interval when substitute Alessia Russo, introduced at the hour mark, netted twice — six and 16 minutes after coming on — completing the rout and showcasing Arsenal's attacking depth.
Goalkeeping and defensive notes
Arsenal goalkeeper Anneke Borbe had little to do, making only a routine stop from Siham Boukhami. AS FAR rarely threatened, their evening summed up by the scoreboard as Arsenal dominated possession and chances throughout.
Corinthians edge Gotham FC to set up final
Corinthians secured their place in the final with an 83rd-minute winner from Gabi Zanotti, edging NWSL side Gotham FC 1-0 in a much tighter affair. The Brazilian side’s narrow victory promises a contrast of styles against Arsenal’s free-scoring unit.
What the final means — sporting and financial
The championship decider takes place on Sunday at the Emirates. The winners will claim $2.3m while the runners-up are guaranteed $1m, adding significant financial incentives to the sporting rivalry. Arsenal’s emphatic semi suggests they enter the final as clear favorites, though Corinthians’ grit in the semi means a competitive match is likely.
Implications for bettors and fans
Arsenal’s attacking form makes backing them to win and the match to produce over 2.5 goals a logical market; Alessia Russo’s late brace also boosts her appeal in anytime-scorer markets.
Corinthians’ narrow win indicates they could keep the final tight, so handicap and both-teams-to-score markets may offer value.
New footage shows cause of Gabriel and Harry Maguire clash after Man Utd beat Arsenal
Arsenal 6-0 AS FAR: The Champions League holders blew their Moroccan opponents out of the water at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium
The Independent
