Barcelona secured their third Women’s Champions League title in four years by defeating Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) for the first time in a final, marking an end to their losing streak against the French team.
The prestigious Women’s UEFA Champions League Title was claimed by Barcelona in the Spanish City of Bilbao on Saturday.
Lyon dominated Barca in the 2019 and 2022 Champions League finals, but the third encounter between the two teams was a different story. The match started with an intense and thrilling first half, with both sides having their moments. Caroline Graham Hansen caused Lyon problems on the right, while Kadidiatou showcased her skills on the other end.
However, it was Aitana Bonmatí, the 2023 Ballon d’Or winner and standout player for Barca, who made the difference. She broke the deadlock with a fantastic run down the left, seeing her shot deflect off Vanessa Gilles and into the net past Lyon goalkeeper Christiane Endler.
Despite Lyon’s efforts to get back into the game, they couldn’t find a way past Barcelona’s defense. In stoppage time, Alexia Putellas, another Ballon d’Or winner, sealed the victory for Barca with a stunning finish, securing a memorable day for the Catalans in Bilbao. As soon as she entered the field, the Barca fans erupted with excitement for their captain, and true to their expectations, she secured the win for Barca with a 2-0 victory, ultimately lifting the esteemed champions title.
An indication of the increasing popularity of women’s football globally, more than 50,000 supporters journeyed to Bilbao, Spain to cheer on their respective teams in a highly anticipated final match, with Barcelona dominating over 40,000 fans.
Barcelona made history by achieving their first-ever quadruple, with their Women’s team also securing a remarkable quadruple by winning the Champions League for the third time. They triumphed in the Spanish Super Cup, La Liga, and the Champions League Title, marking a significant milestone in their journey. This remarkable feat is a testament to their unwavering dedication and dominance over the years.
Barça’s success is no fluke, with an impressive record of reaching five Champions League finals in just six years, emerging victorious three times. Their dominance is not just limited to Europe, as they have also been unstoppable in their home country. With numerous titles under their belt, including 5 Liga Fs, 4 Copa de la Reinas, 2 Spanish Super Cups, and now 3 Champions Leagues, FC Barcelona truly stands out as the best team in Europe.