The most important game in women’s football is taking place this Saturday, 23 May, as Barcelona face Lyon in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo.
This marks the sixth encounter between these two powerhouse teams in European women’s football as they compete on the Champions League stage. They will meet in the final for the fourth time, vying for one of the sport’s most esteemed accolades.
Their initial final clash was in 2019, where Lyon won the game 4-1 in Budapest. In 2024, Barcelona secured a victory in Bilbao, winning 2-0. Additionally, these teams faced off in the quarterfinals, where Lyon advanced with a 3-1 aggregate score in May 2018, having won the first leg 1-0 in Barcelona and followed up with a 2-1 victory in Lyon to progress to the semifinals.
Lyon enters this match as the most accomplished team in the competition, boasting eight titles and aiming for a ninth, which would be their first in four years. Their most recent title was achieved by defeating Barcelona 3-1 on 21 May 2022 at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy.
Barcelona has emerged as a formidable and dynamic club in women’s football over the years, establishing itself as a leading force with numerous continental titles that have defined an era and transformed the club into a model both on and off the pitch.
With stars like Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, both Ballon d’Or winners, alongside talents such as Graham Hansen, Mapi León, and Irene Paredes, as well as promising young players like Vicky López and Salma Paralluelo, who have all played crucial roles in securing titles like the Champions League, they will undoubtedly be a team to watch on Saturday against Lyon.
Both teams have achieved significant titles this season, with Barcelona claiming the Spanish Super Cup, Liga F, and the Copa de la Reina, while Lyon secured the Coupe de France Féminine and also triumphed in the domestic competition, Coupe LFFP, this season.
Lyon have concluded the regular season at the top of the Première Ligue standings and are set to compete against Paris FC in the playoff final next Friday. Before their encounter with Paris FC, Lyon will aim to beat Barcelona in the Champions League.
Their squad boasts a distinguished blend of experienced players, including their captain, Wendie Renard, a legendary centre-back who will be leading the defence. Other notable players include Jule Brand, Kadidiatou Dian, Selma Bacha, and the 18-year-old Lily Yohannes, an American talent who has quickly emerged as a pivotal player since her transfer from Ajax in 2025, contributing significantly to their domestic title and securing a place in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final.
It will not be an easy match for either team; however, it is guaranteed to be an enjoyable spectacle for the fans. The final will be broadcast globally by DAZN, with the match kicking off at 18:00.
