Eight days previously, Alex Scott’s 20-yard stoppage-time strike had given the Gunners a narrow lead over Umeå in the first leg - now, back on home turf in Borehamwood, all they had to do was avoid conceding and the trophy would be theirs.
It wasn’t easy, as the Swedish side came at them ferociously. Arsenal ‘keeper Emma Byrne came up trumps with a number of impressive saves, while the crossbar and the post kept out Brazil legend-to-be Marta and then teenage star Ramona Bachmann respectively on an afternoon when fortune seemed to be on Arsenal’s side.
But the final whistle arrived before Umeå could find the back of the net - meaning Arsenal became the first English team to be crowned champions of Europe, a feat no other English team has achieved since.
On Wednesday, Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners made a strong case for that record to be broken, beginning their European campaign by thrashing eight-time Champions League winners and current holders Olympique Lyon on their own turf.
As the North London side dare to dream once more, we take a look at the team Vic Akers selected to keep out Umeå in the second leg of the final, and where they are now….
1. Emma Byrne - GK
The former Republic of Ireland captain was at Hampden Park as the Girls in Green celebrated their first ever World Cup finals qualification. After leaving Arsenal, Byrne played at Brighton and Hove Albion and Spanish side Terrassa FC and now works in the media, providing commentary for Sky Sports.
2. Alex Scott - RB
The match-winner is now a leading BBC and Sky Sports pundit who took over from Dan Scott as presenter of Football Focus last year. Scott recently published a memoir ‘How (Not) To Be Strong’, the proceeds of which are dedicated to helping victims of domestic abuse.
3. Ciara Grant - CB
Grant retired from international duties in 2013 with 105 appearances for the Republic of Ireland. After Arsenal, she spent one season at second-tier Reading before retiring from playing in April 2015.
4. Anita Asante - CB
The England international ended her playing career just before her 37th birthday in April 2022. Asante is now a first team coach at Bristol City, league leaders in the Championship, and a presenter at BBC Sport.