Tears rolling down her face, remnants of gold and red confetti still visible in the background, Arsenal manager Renee Slegers could barely believe what she had just witnessed.
Moments earlier, her side lifted the Women’s Champions League trophy for the first time in 18 years, having won 1-0 in Lisbon to stun European giants Barcelona.
It was an achievement that was barely conceivable nine months ago when Slegers was Arsenal’s assistant manager and they had lost the first leg of their second qualifying round tie with BK Hacken.
The glory was hard to comprehend and Slegers, usually so composed, could not prevent the outpouring of emotion.
Memories of Arsenal’s historic victory in 2007 have dominated newspapers this week, while Slegers’ side joined members of that squad for lunch to reminisce on the special occasion.
They defied the odds back then and knew it would take a near-miracle in Portugal to claim a second title, seeking out inspiration in preparation.
Arsenal finished third in the Women’s Super League last season, meaning they had to come through three rounds of qualifying.
They are the first team in Women’s Champions League history to play 15 games before lifting the trophy.
