Barcelona Makes History with Third Women’s Champions League Title
BILBAO, Spain (AP) — Barcelona made history on Saturday by clinching its third Women’s Champions League title in four years, ending its losing streak against Lyon in a thrilling final.
The match, held in front of a record crowd of 50,827 at San Mames Stadium in Basque Country, saw Barcelona defeat Lyon 2-0. World player of the year Aitana Bonmatí opened the scoring in the second half, followed by a late goal from former world player Alexia Putellas to secure the victory for the defending champions.
Barcelona had previously lost two finals to Lyon and all four of their previous encounters, making this win even sweeter for the Spanish side. The triumph also marked Barcelona’s quadruple of trophies, including the Champions League, Spanish league, Copa de la Reina, and the Spanish Super Cup.
“We are super happy to have won these four titles,” said Putellas after the match.
Barcelona’s success in the Women’s Champions League comes at a time of turmoil for the men’s team, with player great Xavi Hernández departing as coach on the same day. Club president Joan Laporta, who made the decision to sack Xavi, joined the women’s team in celebrating their historic win.
The victory adds to Spain’s recent success in women’s football, following the national team’s triumphs in the Women’s World Cup and the Women’s Nations League last year.
The final against Lyon was a closely contested match, with both teams creating few clear-cut chances. Bonmatí’s goal in the 63rd minute, followed by Putellas’ late strike, sealed the win for Barcelona. Bonmatí was named the player of the match for her performance.
Lyon, playing in their 11th final in 15 seasons, was unable to secure their first title since 2022. Despite the loss, Lyon coach Sonia Bompastor, the first woman to win the Women’s Champions League as both a player and coach, expressed pride in her team’s efforts.
Barcelona now joins Lyon and Eintracht Frankfurt as the only clubs with three Women’s Champions League titles, solidifying their place among the elite in European women’s football.
The historic win for Barcelona was a moment to remember for players and fans alike, as they celebrated their remarkable achievement in front of a passionate crowd at San Mames Stadium.
As Barcelona continues to make strides in women’s football, the club’s success on the European stage serves as a testament to their dedication and hard work. With a talented squad and a winning mentality, Barcelona looks set to remain a dominant force in women’s football for years to come.
The victory against Lyon will go down in history as a defining moment for Barcelona, as they etch their names among the best teams in Europe with their third Women’s Champions League title.