The Corinthians women’s team takes to the field this Sunday (1st), at 3 pm, to seek the greatest achievement in its history full of glory and make history once again. It will decide the title of the FIFA Champions Cup, the first women’s club world cup organized by world football’s highest governing body.
The opponent will be Arsenal, from England. The Gunners will have the advantage of deciding the title at home, at the Emirates Stadium, in London. This will be the first duel between the two teams in the history of women’s football.
Furthermore, on the field, Brabas’ rival is not just any team. It’s practically an international team. One of the stars is Spanish striker Mariona Caldentey, formerly of Barcelona. She played for 3 seasons with Andressa Alves, currently at Corinthians, in Catalonia. For Barcelona, the player won 25 trophies and scored more than 100 goals. Caldentey has won four of the last five editions of the Women’s Champions League.
Another highlight is English striker Alessia Russo, 26 years old, with spells at Manchester United, Chelsea and the North American league. She was the team’s top scorer last year, with 20 goals. In the Champions League title campaign, he scored eight goals and was the competition’s second top scorer. Still in the offensive sector of the English team, another good name is Chloe Kelly. She stood out for Manchester City and Everton.
Arsenal secured their place in the Champions League final by beating As Far, from Morocco, 6-0. Corinthians qualified by beating Gotham FC, champion of the NWSL and Concacaf, 1-0. The Brazilians participate in the tournament after winning the last Conmebol Libertadores; Arsenal were champions of the Women’s Champions League.
Coach Lucas Piccinato das Brabas may repeat his debut lineup. The likely Corinthians have Letícia; Gi Fernandes, Thais Ferreira, Leticia Teles and Tamires; Duda Sampaio, Andressa, Gabi Zanotti and Ana Vitória; Belén Aquino and Jaqueline Ribeiro. Meanwhile, coach Renee Slegers’ Arsenal could have Anneke Borbe; Smilla Holmberg, Wubben-Moy, Laia Codina and Taylor Hinds; Frida Maanum, Mariona Caldentey and Victoria Pelova; Bethany Mead, Olivia Smith and Stina Blackstenius (Alessia Russo).
