Alessia Russo insists Arsenal go into the women’s Champions League final against perennial winners Barcelona full of belief – as Gunners look to become the first English side to lift the trophy in 18 years

Alessia Russo says that Arsenal will go into their showdown with Barcelona in the women’s Champions League final on Saturday full of belief.

Arsenal have the chance become the first English team to lift the women’s Champions League trophy since themselves in 2007. 

To this day, they remain the only team from English shores to achieve this feat.

But looking to get in their way is the world’s very best in Barcelona, who have lifted this trophy in three of the last four seasons – and who beat Women’s Super League champions Chelsea 8-2 on aggregate in the semi-final.

Russo, the Gunners’ top scorer this season, said: ‘Any player that plays for Arsenal understands it is a winning club that is so ambitious and wants to be at the top competing with the best.

‘We know Barcelona are a top side. They have won at the highest level consistently, we are aware of that but I have full belief with us as a team. 

Alessia Russo has insisted that Arsenal will go into the Champions League final full of belief

The Gunners are hoping to become the first English team to win the competitions since themselves in 2007

Barcelona are in search of their third win in a row in the competition and fourth crown overall

‘We know what we’re capable of. We have enjoyed being in a major final and we are all really excited and prepared.’

Arsenal overturned a one-goal deficit from the first leg to beat record eight-time Champions League winners Lyon in the semi-final, and Russo says the team will be drawing on that performance today.

‘That result and performance in Lyon is something we want to hold. We want that to be our standard. We know we are capable of that.’