Champions League: We are hungry: OL Lyonnes face the challenge of Barça to reconquer Europe.

OL Lyonnes, record holder of trophies in the Champions League (8), has waited too long. Two seasons after their last final (Bilbao 2024) and four years after their last triumph in the top competition (Turin 2022), the Lyonnaises dream of reconnecting with their glorious European past this Saturday (6 pm) in Oslo, against FC Barcelona.

“It’s like it’s my first final,” says Selma Bacha, despite winning four C1 titles in her career. “It’s been a long time since we tasted it, not even a crumb. We are hungry!” The metaphor of Wendie Renard, emblematic captain of the Lyonnaises, whose 12th continental final this will be – as many as her club – summarizes the mindset of a group eager for their third trophy in 2026. But also eager to set the record straight against Barcelona, who had always succumbed to the Rhodanian before their triumph in Bilbao.

“The tactical plan is clear,” says Melchie Dumornay. “I wouldn’t call it revenge, but a desire to prove that we have taken a step forward. Show that we are a team of character, capable of self-reflection,” affirms Ada Hegerberg, determined to reverse the result in front of her Norwegian fans.

“There are things that didn’t please us on the field,” reports Renard, whose exchanges with Jonatan Giráldez, who coached the opposing team, were invaluable.

Having led the Blaugrana to their last two European triumphs (2023 and 2024), Giráldez is not entering the unknown. Especially since the current coach of the Barcelona women’s team, Pere Romeu, was his assistant at the time.

Facing the best attack in the competition, Lyon’s Spanish coach has worked all season to arrive on D-day with a confident team. Victories against Wolfsburg and Arsenal, then a convincing win against FC Nantes, have bolstered his confidence.

“We have two cups (League and France), which is great. But this season will go down in history if we win the last two, especially the Champions League,” emphasizes Dumornay.

A significant challenge awaits against the only unbeaten team (8 wins, 2 draws) and best attack in the European competition, reaching the final for the sixth consecutive time. “They want the trophy, and so do we. We also have qualities, and it’s the one who wants it more that will win,” assures Bacha, hungry like a Lyon player.