Aitana Bonmati ‘Surprised’ by Arsenal’s UCL Run Ahead of Women’s Champions League Final Showdown

Barcelona Star and Ballon d’Or Winner Reflects on Arsenal’s Rise as Saturday’s Lisbon Clash Looms

Aitana Bonmati is no stranger to high-stakes matches. The reigning Ballon d’Or winner has stood at the summit of women’s football for the better part of the last three years. With Champions League trophies under her belt, a World Cup title, and a seemingly endless stream of accolades, her word carries weight. So, when Aitana Bonmati admits she was “surprised” to see Arsenal in this year’s UEFA Women’s Champions League final, it makes people sit up and take notice.

The Road to Lisbon: Arsenal’s Stunning Semi-Final Statement

Mariona Caldentey Chloe Kelly Arsenal Women 2024-25

It’s easy to understand Aitana Bonmati’s reaction. Arsenal’s journey to the final wasn’t paved with predictability. Facing Lyon—eight-time European champions and serial dominators of the women’s game—was always going to be a mammoth task. After losing the first leg 2-1, few gave the Gunners a real chance to turn it around.

But turn it around they did—and emphatically so. A blistering 4-1 win in the second leg sent shockwaves through the football world. It wasn’t just a victory; it was a statement. Arsenal, with their mix of youthful flair and seasoned leadership, showed resilience, tactical maturity, and an unrelenting desire to upset the status quo.

Still, for Aitana Bonmati and her Barcelona teammates, it wasn’t the final matchup many had predicted.

“For me, it was a surprise Arsenal reaching the final,” Aitana Bonmati told ESPN. “They absolutely deserve it, because scoring four goals against Lyon in the second leg is not easy at all. I congratulate them for that because I think it was a big surprise, but a well-deserved one.”

Barcelona’s Dominance—and the Weight of Expectation

Bonmati’s Barcelona are not just the reigning champions; they’re the undisputed powerhouse of European women’s football. Three titles in the last four years, a playing style that fuses artistry with clinical execution, and a squad brimming with some of the finest talent in the game—this is a team that doesn’t just win, they redefine the game while doing it.

With players like Alexia Putellas, Caroline Graham Hansen, Patri Guijarro, and of course Aitana Bonmati herself, the Blaugrana are not only favourites for Saturday’s final in Lisbon—they’re expected to win. But that’s not a badge they wear lightly.

Bonmati is acutely aware of the fine margins at the top. “Finals are always different,” she said. “You can be the best team on paper, but if you don’t show it on the pitch for those 90 minutes, anything can happen.”

Barcelona’s path to the final has been, in contrast to Arsenal’s, relatively smooth. A dominant group stage campaign and composed knockout performances reaffirmed their status. But they know Arsenal will come with belief—and nothing to lose.

Arsenal’s Second Coming

Aitana Bonmati Barcelona Women 2024-25

It’s been 17 years since Arsenal last appeared in a Women’s Champions League final. That was in 2007, a different era of the women’s game. Back then, the club was a juggernaut domestically and continentally. In recent years, however, despite flashes of brilliance, consistency at the highest level has often eluded them.

This year feels different.

Under the guidance of head coach Renee Slegers, Arsenal have found balance. Their blend of attacking creativity, defensive discipline, and squad depth has been pivotal. Katie McCabe, Kim Little, and Caitlin Foord have been standouts, while younger players like Alessia Russo and Frida Maanum have blossomed into key figures.

Their stunning semi-final comeback wasn’t just about goals; it was about belief. It was about a club that’s been desperate to return to the elite proving that they belong.

Aitana Bonmati vs Arsenal’s Midfield Engine

While much of the focus naturally falls on Aitana Bonmati’s playmaking brilliance, Saturday’s final will also be a battle of midfields. Arsenal’s ability to disrupt and dictate the rhythm will be crucial if they are to stop the Barcelona machine.

Bonmati knows this better than anyone. “They have a lot of energy in midfield, and they press well,” she said. “We have to be smart. Play fast, move the ball quickly, and be ready for a physical battle.”

With the spotlight firmly on her, Aitana Bonmati remains calm and composed, her words measured and respectful. She may have been surprised by Arsenal’s presence, but there’s no trace of complacency in her tone. If anything, she seems even more focused.

Final in Lisbon: A Clash of Eras and Styles

Arsenal FC v Manchester United FC – Barclays Women’s Super League

This final isn’t just Barcelona vs. Arsenal. It’s modern dominance vs. historic prestige. It’s slick passing triangles vs. direct dynamism. It’s Catalan flair vs. London grit.

For Barcelona, victory would further cement their legacy and give them a fourth title in five years—territory only Lyon has ever truly dominated. For Arsenal, it’s a chance to reclaim a place among the elite and inspire a new generation of English stars.

The Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon is set to witness a contest that goes beyond silverware. It’s a narrative-rich encounter, one where the underdog wears an iconic shirt and the favourites carry the weight of excellence.

Bonmati’s Respect, Not Complacency

Aitana Bonmati has seen it all—glory, defeat, and the evolving landscape of women’s football. Her surprise at Arsenal’s run is not born out of arrogance but from the unexpected thrill of sport. It’s that unpredictability, after all, that keeps even the best players on their toes.

She closes her interview with the kind of poise that defines her both on and off the pitch: “We respect every opponent. Arsenal showed why they’re in the final. Now, it’s our job to prepare the best we can and try to lift that trophy again.”

What’s Next?

As Saturday draws closer, anticipation builds. Can Arsenal finish the fairytale? Or will Barcelona continue their reign atop the women’s game?

One thing is for certain—Aitana Bonmati, surprised or not, will be at the heart of the action. And if recent history tells us anything, when she’s at her best, few can stop her.