Women's Champions League: Is 'magic' Caldentey Arsenal's key in final? - BBC Sport
The club believed Caldentey could take them to the next level when they signed her but she could not have predicted how impressive her first season would be.
"Not at all. I didn't have any expectation. I just made my decision and went for it," said Caldentey.
"Everyone helped me a lot from the first day so it was kind of easy to adapt to the new challenge. I've just had fun playing football."
Only Alessia Russo (12) scored more WSL goals for Arsenal in 2024-25
"She's a total footballer. She's got everything," Arsenal manager Renee Slegers said of Caldentey earlier this season.
Her impact was instant and transformative.
Arsenal went from a struggling side at the start of the season to a team marching up the table, sealing second spot in the WSL and competing with Europe's elite.
Caldentey's role was to be the creator, linking up with WSL Golden Boot winner Alessia Russo and providing stardust from midfield.
"She's given us so much," Slegers added. "There are so many things to say about Mariona, because she does so many things so well. She has given us that next level.
"Technically and tactically - her intelligence is really high level. Her work ethic is unbelievable. You can see it in games, but you can see it on the training pitch as well.
"Last but not least, she's a winner."
After Arsenal beat Tottenham 5-0 at Emirates Stadium, a journalist described Caldentey as the conductor of an orchestra, with eight legs like an octopus.
The analogy surprised Slegers but she admitted it was a good description.
Arsenal captain Kim Little, who has played alongside Caldentey this season, said she has been "incredible" for the team.
"She came in from Barcelona and had a great impact on the team, on a personal level and also with how we play," she told BBC Radio 5 Live.
Mariona Caldentey won the Champions League three times with Barcelona
There will no doubt be mixed emotions for Caldentey when she faces Barcelona in Lisbon.
She was "underrated" but "now finally appreciated" by those in Spain, said Tikas, but will she come back to haunt them?
"When we talked to Barca players after the semi-finals, they were really happy to face Mariona and said it will be really special for them," Tikas added.
"She knows how Barcelona play and how Arsenal can damage Barcelona."
Caldentey has spoken to some of the Barcelona players - they remain "close friends" after all - but they have avoided speaking about the final.
"We did exchange some messages but it is a bit weird so we didn't speak too much about [the game]," she added.
"I didn't tell them [we would win] but they know that is what I want!"
From Arsenal's perspective, they hope Caldentey's close links with Barca will give them an advantage.
"I did an interview with Aitana Bonmati the other day and mentioned Mariona," journalist Alex Ibaceta told the Women’s Football Weekly podcast. “She said we know the player she is, we know what she is capable of.
"Mariona is going to be key in letting the players know what disturbs Barcelona. If there is one player that is going to lead the pack, it's going to be her. Arsenal have enough quality to be able to put out a gameplan so Mariona can give them the tips and tricks on how to defeat Barcelona."
