Barca and Lyon set stage for fourth meeting in Women’s Champions League final
By Samindra Kunti in Oslo
May 22 – In a new chapter of their European rivalry, FC Barcelona will seek to reclaim their European crown against Olympique Lyon in the final of the Women’s Champions League.
Last season, Barcelona lost the Women’s Champions League against Arsenal 1-0, but in their sixth consecutive Champions League final they will have the opportunity to stamp their authority on the European game after a season in which they demonstrated their customary control, high press and passing game.
Crucially, star midfielder Aitana Bonmati has returned to full fitness.
The Catalan giants eliminated Bayern Munich and Real Madrid en route to the final and have been rewarded with match against familiar foes Lyon.
It’s the fourth time that the Spanish outfit and French club meet in the Women’s Champions League. Lyon won in 2019 and 2022, but Barca won in 2024.
Lyon arrived in the final having eliminated last season’s champions Arsenal in the semis, overturning a first-leg defeat. It will be their 12th appearance in UEFA’s women’s club showpiece since 2010.
“It’s a final, small details will make the difference. We will try to be as well-prepared as possible to make the most of our strengths and to try to capitalise on the slightest of weaknesses that OL Lyonnes may have,” said FC Barcelona manager Pere Romeu.
The final will also have domestic flavour for Norway. Barcelona’s Caroline Graham Hansen played football a stone’s throw away from the Ulleval Stadium which will host the final to a sell-out crowd while Ada Hegerberg has long been one of the star players of Olympique Lyon.
In an interview with Spanish media, Bonmati however criticised Oslo as venue for the final.
“I have nothing against Norway – I think it is a fantastic country – but it is clear that the conditions are different from previous years,” she said.
“When you are used to playing in big stadiums, I think it is a step back to go to Norway and play on a field that is much smaller than what you are usually used to.”
Last year’s Women’s Champions final was played at Lisbon’s José Alvalade which has a capacity of just over 52,000 spectators. The match was attended by 38,356 spectators.
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