FC Barcelona and Arsenal meet again Thursday at 18:45 on TV3 and Disney+, a year after the Women’s Champions League final where the English side edged the Catalans 1‑0 in Lisbon. With the playoff fourth‑round looming, Arsenal boss Renée Slegers cleared up the pre‑match mystery: Ona Batlle is fit. Can Arsenal repeat that victory?
The former Barça full‑back missed last weekend’s 1‑2 win over Liverpool because of a niggle, despite Alessia Russo’s brace. “I hope she’s here,” Slegers said after the game. Her wish was granted; Batlle flew to Barcelona with the squad. “Ona traveled with us, so that’s a plus,” the coach noted when asked for updates. For my money, Batlle’s experience will be decisive.
Slegers also praised the atmosphere she expects at Spotify Camp Nou: “I know how Barcelona connects with its fans – they’re intense and vocal. I remember the final. I coached there years ago; it’s a historic, fantastic venue, so the vibe will be electric. We’re proud to have about 1,000 supporters making the trip from London. We’ll try to engage them fully. It’s always a privilege to play for fans who cross the Channel to back us. It should be a truly beautiful atmosphere.”