Arsenal’s Stina Blackstenius: ‘We’re Always a Team to Count On’ as OL Lyonnes Rematch Looms

There is a familiar feel around Arsenal as the women’s team prepares for a second consecutive Champions League semi-final showdown with OL Lyonnes. The Gunners, who lifted the trophy in Lisbon last season thanks to a decisive goal from Stina Blackstenius, are aiming to retain their crown and face the French giants once again in the final four.

Blackstenius: The Big-Game Specialist

Blackstenius has developed a reputation for scoring in the biggest moments. The Swedish forward has won all four finals she has contested as an Arsenal player and found the net in three of them. Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports, she said: “I really love to win with this team. I would do anything for that to happen. As a striker, you always want to score goals and in these big games, there’s something special about it.”

Despite losing the first leg of last year’s semi-final, Arsenal rallied to beat the eight-time European champions in France, epitomising their never-say-die spirit. This season, however, they enter the tie as defending champions and the team to beat.

“I wouldn’t say it’s changed anything being the Champions League holders,” Blackstenius added. “We know that we can achieve it and if we’ve done it once, we can for sure do it again. We have grown so much from what we achieved last season. When we play our best football, we’re always a team to count on.”

Blackstenius-Russo Partnership Blossoming

Blackstenius’ strike partner Alessia Russo is this season’s Champions League top scorer with eight goals in 10 matches. The duo have formed a formidable partnership, honed under the guidance of assistant coach and former Arsenal legend Kelly Smith.

“She has played a big part working with us forwards,” Blackstenius explained. “Alessia and I complement each other. I’ve always been a player that wants to run deep and stretch the line, while Alessia is really good with the ball and setting up players. We can really help each other and make it as hard as possible for the defensive line.”

Their complementary styles were a key reason Arsenal secured Blackstenius to a new contract earlier this week. The forward described the club as a “special place,” adding: “Since I joined four and a half years ago, so much has happened. This environment feels like home, and we keep growing. We want to go for silverware in every competition.”

Key Takeaways

• Deja Vu: Arsenal face OL Lyonnes in the Champions League semi-finals for the second year running.
• Blackstenius’ Big-Game Pedigree: The Swedish striker has won all four finals with Arsenal, scoring in three.
• Russo Leading the Charts: Alessia Russo is the competition’s top scorer with eight goals this season.
• New Contract: Blackstenius recently signed a new deal, highlighting her value to the Gunners.
• Final Destination: The Champions League final will be played in Oslo on May 23.

With a strong home record under manager Renee Slegers and the belief that comes from being champions, Arsenal will be confident of securing a positive result before the return leg in France. Don’t be surprised if Blackstenius plays a decisive role once again.