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Barcelona wins third Women’s Champions League, avenge Lyon defeats
Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas score to secure Barcelona’s third Women’s Champions League trophy, achieving a 2-0 victory over record eight-time winners Lyon on Saturday.
The defending champions had previously lost to the French giants in the 2019 and 2022 finals, but triumphed in Bilbao, completing a spectacular quadruple this season in coach Jonatan Giraldez’s final match in charge.
Bonmati scored after 63 minutes and substitute Putellas sealed the win in stoppage time, avenging Barcelona’s past defeats by Sonia Bompastor’s side.
Securing their third Champions League trophy from five final appearances in the last six seasons, Barcelona affirmed their status as the new powerhouse in women’s football.
“(It’s) a dream day, it is difficult to explain with words the feeling I have now. It is a special moment,” said Giraldez. “It is one of happiest days of my life.”
Barcelona’s players, backed by a majority of the 51,000 record crowd at the women’s Champions League final, showcased their experience and mental strength alongside their talent.
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“It’s the first time we’ve beaten Lyon. I’m proud of the team, and we know that with these fans we have, we can’t fail,” Bonmati told DAZN.
Giraldez made strategic changes, starting Mariona Caldentey in attack and moving Fridolina Rolfo to left-back. Lyon’s top scorer Ada Hegerberg began on the bench due to form issues after injury.
Despite early pressure from Lyon, Barcelona held firm. Patri Guijarro had the first big chance, and Caroline Graham Hansen’s skillful play created more opportunities, leading to Bonmati’s breakthrough goal.
Champions League top goalscorer Kadidiatou Diani and Hegerberg had chances for Lyon, but Barcelona’s defense held strong.
Putellas, coming on as a substitute, secured the victory with a late goal, ensuring Barcelona’s celebrations began early.
“Obviously it’s a dream come true, what we have achieved,” said Putellas after her goal confirmed Barcelona’s quadruple.
Lucy Bronze, winning the competition for the fifth time, praised Putellas: “She’s the captain of the team, she’s the ‘queen’ of Barcelona for a reason. She’s got the quality to do that in the last minute of the Champions League final when we were up against it at the end and just sealed the win for us.”
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