While Arsenal celebrated their second Women’s Champions League title with their fans in one corner, Barcelona’s players looked out at the stands as their fans cheered them, offering warmth but no consolation.
It brought back memories of the 2022 final in Turin, when Barcelona arrived feeling like favourites but ended up losing to Lyon. This time, they entered the match aiming for a third successive Champions League title and fourth overall.
And yet, when referee Ivana Martincic signalled the end of the match, it was Arsenal who were celebrating. Esmee Brugts collapsed to the ground, trying to take in what had happened.