Champions League: Lyon Lyonnes outclassed in final by pragmatic FC Barcelona, who secure their fourth European crown

The Lyon players gave strong opposition to the favorites but lacked realism before being punished in the second half (0-4) on Saturday.

There will be no historic quadruple. Having been crowned in the Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue, favorites for the championship final against Paris FC, the Lyon ladies were halted in their tracks by FC Barcelona in the Champions League final (0-4) on Saturday, May 23, at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo, Norway. Winners eight times between 2011 and 2022, the Femmes de Lyon were defeated by efficient Barcelona players. Reaching the final for the sixth consecutive year, the Catalan team lived up to their status as favorites, securing their fourth title in the competition.

While Lyon dominated the first half, creating chances and almost scoring through Lindsey Heaps, Barcelona’s efficiency in converting chances in the second half proved decisive. The Polish striker Ewa Pajor scored two goals, first with a perfectly placed shot (55th minute), and then with a close-range finish after a cross from Salma Paralluelo (69th minute). Barcelona sealed the victory with another goal from Paralluelo in additional time.

Despite Lyon’s strong performance, particularly in the first half, Barcelona’s goalkeeper Cata Coll made crucial saves to deny Lyon on multiple occasions. Lyon will now aim to bounce back in the French championship final against Paris FC on Friday, May 29.