Barcelona and Olympique Lyonnais (OL) are both vying for an unprecedented quadruple of major titles as they clash in the Women’s Champions League final this Saturday. These two powerhouse clubs, who have largely defined European women’s soccer for the past 15 years, are set to meet for the fourth time in the last eight finals.
The historical head-to-head record in these finals stands at 2-1 in favor of Lyon. The French club boasts a remarkable eight European titles, including an extraordinary five consecutive victories leading up to 2020, throughout the competition’s 25-year history. Barcelona, currently in其 seventh final in eight years and sixth consecutive appearance, is widely considered the favorite to secure its fourth title.
Barcelona’s journey to dominance began notably with a 4-1 defeat to Lyon in the 2019 final held in Budapest. Reflecting on that pivotal match, Barcelona’s two-time Ballon d’Or winner, Alèxia Putellas, candidly admitted, “They were much, much better than us. I am humble enough to say that.” Lyon also triumphed over Barcelona in their 2022 title encounter, with Barcelona finally securing a victory against their formidable rivals in 2024.
Lyon’s esteemed captain, Wendie Renard, is poised to participate in her 12th final, a testament to her illustrious career which began with a goal in the French giant’s first title win in 2011.
Adding an intriguing dynamic to the match, both teams are managed by former colleagues from Barcelona. Jonatan Giráldez, who previously led Barcelona to two Women’s Champions League titles, now coaches Lyon, while Pere Romeu served as one of his assistants at Barcelona. Giráldez expressed his sentiments about facing his former club: “I feel privileged to face Barcelona as I’m grateful for the experience I had there and I wish them the best.”
UEFA’s decision to host the final in Oslo has drawn some criticism. Star player Aitana Bonmatí of Barcelona suggested that the 28,000-seat Ullevaal Stadium represented “a step back” for women’s soccer, citing its modest size and the city’s limited direct flight options. UEFA’s director of women’s football, Nadine Kessler, defended Norway as “the motherland” of women’s soccer in Europe, pointing out that she played in three Champions League finals, all of which drew crowds of fewer than 20,000. Despite the concerns, the Ullevaal Stadium is completely sold out for Saturday’s match. In contrast, last year’s final at Sporting Lisbon’s stadium was only three-quarters full, with nearly 39,000 spectators watching Arsenal defeat Barcelona 1-0.
On Friday, Norway’s prominent stars, Caroline Graham Hansen of Barcelona and Ada Hegerberg of Lyon, voiced their support for their national stadium. Graham Hansen, who grew up in the Oslo neighborhood surrounding the stadium, noted, “The venue was decided a couple of years ago, and you didn’t take it for granted you would sell out the stadium.” Hegerberg emphasized the game as a “once in a lifetime” opportunity for Norwegian soccer and a chance to inspire young girls. Looking ahead, the 2027 final is scheduled to take place at Poland’s national stadium in Warsaw, which has a capacity of 56,000 for major events.
