Barcelona successfully defended their Women’s Champions League title and achieved an impressive quadruple by defeating Lyon, the team with a record eight wins, in an exciting final in Bilbao.
Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati scored the first goal when her shot was deflected past goalkeeper Christiane Endler at the near post in the second half.
Shortly after coming on late in the game, Alexia Putellas secured the win for Barcelona with a precise shot in stoppage time.
This is the first time Barcelona have defeated Lyon, making up for their loss in the 2022 final.
In manager Jonatan Giraldez’s last European match in charge, Barcelona dominated possession as expected but were often thwarted by Lyon’s resilient defense.
Speaking to DAZN afterwards, Giraldez said: “It was an incredible game. I am really happy. It’s one of the best days of my life for sure.
“We did an amazing job. I am very proud. When I decided in December to leave the club, people criticised [and said] that maybe the performances were going down.
“We showed today the amazing performance we have and deserved the victory.”
Lyon, whose manager Sonia Bompastor is expected to replace Emma Hayes at Chelsea, also had opportunities. They hit the crossbar when England defender Lucy Bronze nearly deflected a corner into her own net, and both Wendie Renard and Kadidiatou Diani came close to scoring.
“It’s not the right moment to talk about it,” she said afterwards.
“I’m really disappointed and that’s the main thing for me.”
“We have a great disappointment,” Bompastor added. “We have lost a final and it’s tough now. In these moments you have to recognise that Barcelona had a great match and deserved to be the winners, although it’s hard to accept it.
“I am disappointed for my players because we worked really hard and wanted to finish this season with a new title and a new Champions League.”
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