Blakstad joined City in January this year from Toppserien outfit Rosenborg.
And just two months later, the 21-year-old was part of the team that defeated Chelsea 3-1 in the final to earn us our fourth win in the competition, following previous victories in 2014, 2016 and 2019.
The Norwegian international looks back fondly at that experience so soon into her City career and is relishing the start of this season’s competition.
We’re in Group B alongside Liverpool, Leicester City, Sunderland and Blackburn and face an opener at home to Rovers on Wednesday, kick-off 19:30 (UK time).
She said: “They’re really good memories. I remember all the crowd coming to watch and all the girls were so happy and the team was so good, so it was just a really great experience.
“I hope we can do it the same this year.
“It was my first trophy and I feel like competing in all the tournaments is something we want to do. And since we didn’t get in the Champions League, this means even more.
“I think every single competition we show up in, we want to show we’re a good team and a winning team, so I think it’s going to be important for us to have a good start there as well.
“I think everyone who plays football wants to win things and trophies are a symbol of doing well. I feel that’s really important, but it’s the work that you put in and the achievements you get on the way that are most important.”
Despite her special memories, she’s refusing to think too far into the future because she knows there’s a lot of football to be played between now and any potential repeat final date.
She added: “Every game is important.
“Of course it will build some confidence in the group if we can win that trophy. But still, it’s too far to think about that already because we have some important games coming quite quick.
“So first of all, I think we have to think of the next games and if it happens that we win the trophy it’s going to be really good for the group and the whole team.”
