Barcelona ended Emma Hayes’ dreams of a fairytale ending at Chelsea last month when they beat the London side 2-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals. Chelsea led 1-0 going into the second leg, but a controversial match at Stamford Bridge saw the fixture completely turned on its head. Ballon d’Or Féminin winner Aitana Bonmatí equalised midway through the first half, but Chelsea’s hopes of retaking the lead were dashed when Kadeisha Buchanan was sent off following a contentious second yellow. In another blow for the Blues, Barcelona were awarded a penalty with just over 15 minutes to play and Fridolina Rolfö calmly slotted the ball past Hannah Hampton to seal the win.
As for Lyon, they pipped Paris Saint-Germain to the final in a goal fest across two legs. After going 2-0 down in the first leg, Sonia Bompastor’s side completed a dramatic late comeback with three goals in six minutes to take the lead. The second half was slightly more comfortable, with Delphine Cascarino and Kadidiatou Diani giving Lyon a two-goal advantage within the opening 20 minutes. Tabitha Chawinga popped up with a consolation for PSG, but it was too little too late.
Barcelona starting XI: Cata Coll; Lucy Bronze, Irene Paredes, Ingrid Engen, Fridolina Rolfö; Aitana Bonmatí, Keira Walsh, Patri Guijarro; Mariona Caldentey, Caroline Graham Hansen, Salma Paralluelo. Substitutes: Sandra Paños, Gemma Font, Mapi León, Jana Fernández, Clàudia Pina, Marta Torrejón, Alexia Putellas, Bruna Vilamala, Ona Batlle, Esmee Brugts, Vicky López, Martina Fernández.
Hello and welcome to coverage of the Women’s Champions League final. Barcelona and Lyon come face to face once again this evening in what is set to be another showpiece event. Current holders Barcelona will be desperate to retain their title under the lights in Bilbao, but they face an old nemesis in Lyon. The French side have defeated their Spanish counterparts in the final twice in five years, first winning 4-1 in 2019 and then cruising to a 3-1 victory in 2022.
This is Barcelona’s fourth successive Champions League final, will it be their second successive win? Or will Lyon clinch a record-extending ninth title?
Kick-off is at 5pm BST - I’ll be with you all evening!