The opening round of the Women's Champions Cup delivered the spectacle that FIFA had hoped for when launching the new continental competition in March.
Arsenal's extra-time triumph over Brazilian champions Corinthians at Emirates Stadium provided plenty of drama, tension and quality.
A game where momentum swung both ways saw Corinthians score a penalty in the 96th minute to take it to extra-time, where Arsenal's Katrin Fotsch appeared as hero with a goal on 104 minutes to secure the silverware.
The scenes in full-time, with celebrations for the club's legend Arsene Wenger presenting the trophy, underlined just how valuable this competition was for a team seeking momentum in a challenging domestic season.
"It's rare to be able to write history at Arsenal, because history has been written so many times," Arsenal goalscorer Lotte Wubben-Moy told Sky Sports after the win.
"We stand on the shoulders of giants. To come and win this inaugural competition and do so with all our fans here, in style - our fans are amazing and that's why we do this for them."
Arsenal captain Kim Little added: "This is certainly a unique experience - it's the first Champions Cup."
"We'll take a lot from today's win and lifting the trophy."
For Arsenal, the Champions Cup title comes at a crucial point in their season.
Having failed to capitalise on Chelsea's inconsistent WSL campaign and been knocked out of the league cup by Manchester United two weeks ago, the tournament offered a welcome distraction and victory will give them a boost as they enter the second half of the season.
But they had to do it the hard way against determined Brazilian opposition.
The home side dominated for long periods but couldn't shake Corinthians, before their quality in extra-time made the difference as Frida Maanum sent Katrin Fotsch through to score and secure the silverware for Arsenal.
"It was football in all its ways today," said manager Rene Simms, who won the Champions League with the club last season.
"There was good football, a duel and a swing in momentum. I'm proud of the team in the rain, the conditions, we go through and find a way to win this game."
"Arsenal" (Arsenal) were just seconds away from winning in regular time before Kate McCabe gave away a penalty in injury time, allowing Vick Albukerke to level the game at 2-2 and force extra-time.
Little said: "We showed incredible character and resilience, coming back from scoring late in regular time, to go to extra-time."
"It's all that happens in football. You have to come back. When we went to extra-time, we showed that, created chances and Katrin scored a great goal for the win."
"We have an incredible team of players and staff and I feel good about getting more silverware for this club."
13 points behind WSL leaders Manchester City, "Arsenal" (Arsenal) will focus on defending their Champions League title against OH-Leuven in the მერვედფინალში this month, they are also alive in the FA Cup. And this victory will be a boost for Simms and his players.
Corinthians added colour to the Champions Cup
Corinthians may not have ultimately got their hands on the trophy - but only after turning the first Women's Champions Cup into a blockbuster.
After arriving in London during their off-season and facing one of the world's top teams for the title, they can return to Sao Paulo with their heads held high.
After a shock 1-0 win over Gotham FC in the semi-final, the seven-time Brazilian champions were just one step away from a surprise victory in the final.
Fatigue from travel, preparation for the match and the wet pitch at Emirates could not dampen their competitiveness, as they posed a constant threat to Arsenal on the counter-attack.
The Brazilians also showed character twice to come back into the game.
"Corinthians played a great game," said Simms. "They put so much energy, intensity, passion and intelligence into it."
Their supporters were also a force in the crowd of 25,031 at Emirates in North London - a passion matched by their team on the pitch.
"It's amazing," said Wubben-Moy describing the travelling supporters.
"There's a Brazilian community in London. They were out today. That's what this tournament is about - bringing people together. They are the best competition and that's what we've seen."
Ben Haynes, Ellen White and Jenny Beate return for another season on the Women's Football Weekly podcast. New episodes are released every Tuesday on BBC Sounds, plus find interviews and extra content from the Women's Super League and beyond on the Women's Football Weekly channel.
