The UEFA Women’s Champions League has never been as exciting as it is now, with Barcelona and OL Lyonnes set to clash in the final for a record fourth time in Oslo on 23 May.
For the fourth time, these long-standing rivals will meet in the final, equalling the total number of encounters between Lyon and Wolfsburg. Now making their 12th appearance in the showpiece event, Lyon aims for a ninth title, having previously defeated Barcelona in the finals of the Women’s Champions League in 2009 and 2022. However, Barcelona avenged those losses in 2024 by beating the French team, securing their third UEFA title, and setting a new record by reaching their sixth consecutive final.
On Sunday, Barcelona defeated Bayern Munich by 4-2 at the Camp Nou, advancing to their sixth straight Women’s Champions League final, where they will compete against OL Lyonnes.
The matchup was delicately balanced after a 1-1 draw in the first leg, where Bayern mounted a commendable comeback after conceding an early goal and had to finish the match with ten players.
In front of over 60,000 supporters at Camp Nou, the home team took an early advantage through Salma Paralluelo, only to be quickly equalised by a strike from Linda Dallmann.
Alexia Putellas maintained her excellent form, scoring twice, with Ewa Pajor also finding the net between her two goals.
Bayern, showing commendable spirit, continued to seek a way back into the match, with Pernille Harder scoring late in the second half to keep the outcome uncertain. The German side also struck the woodwork twice and had a Harder goal disallowed as Barcelona managed to hold on and secure their place in the final in Oslo.
In a significant boost for Barcelona, Aitana Bonmati made her return after a lengthy injury absence, making it a perfect evening for the team.
