In a thrilling final in Bilbao, Barcelona successfully defended their Women’s Champions League title, completing a sensational quadruple with a 2-0 victory over record eight-time winners Lyon.
Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati opened the scoring in the second half when her strike deflected past Lyon goalkeeper Christiane Endler at the near post.
Barcelona’s triumph was sealed in stoppage-time as substitute Alexia Putellas delivered a clinical finish to confirm victory.
This win marked the first time Barcelona has beaten Lyon, making amends for their final defeat in 2022.
In what was manager Jonatan Giraldez’s final European match in charge, Barcelona dominated possession but faced a resilient Lyon defense.
Caroline Graham Hansen was instrumental for Barcelona, consistently creating opportunities and tormenting Lyon’s backline.
Despite several near misses, including a wide effort in the first half and a last-ditch challenge from Selma Bacha, Barcelona’s pressure eventually paid off.
Lyon, managed by Sonia Bompastor, who is set to replace Emma Hayes at Chelsea, had their chances as well.
England defender Lucy Bronze nearly deflected a corner into her own net, and Wendie Renard and Kadidiatou Diani came close to scoring.
However, the competition’s all-time top scorer Ada Hegerberg, only fit enough for the bench following a calf injury, could not find an equalizer after being introduced late in the game.
Barcelona’s victory also saw England internationals Bronze and Keira Walsh collecting winner’s medals, as the club became just the third team to win the Women’s Champions League three times.