Charles Jackson
The constant evolution of women’s football will be the center of attention on Saturday, when Barcelona to assume Lyon in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final.
Lyon, Europe’s most talented team with eight UWCL titles, return to the main game for the first time since 2022, when they defeated Barcelona 3-1 on their way to the podium. That game was a rare event for Barcelona in recent years, who have emerged as the team to beat in Europe with two Champions League titles in three years. Current champions Barcelona almost became O symbol of the rapid growth of women’s football in Europe, investing solidly over the last few years to build a juggernaut full of World Cup winners.
For Lyon, their latest appearance in the UWCL final signals that they are keeping up with the new world order in women’s football. Its historically heavy investment has not ceased, especially after medical technology millionaire Michele Kang took over the club a year ago as it built a network of women’s soccer clubs that includes NWSL women’s soccer clubs. Spirit of Washington.
Circumstances are preparing for a final that will certainly feature the participation of several of the best players in the world and will serve as yet another showcase for women’s football. Here’s what you need to know before tuning in.
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How to watch and odds
- Date: Saturday, May 25th | Time: 12 p.m. ET
- Location: San Mames Stadium – Bilbao, Spain
- Live broadcast: DAZN
- Chances: Barcelona -300; Draw +370; Lyon +650
How did they get here
Barcelona: The defending champions have cruised through the competition this season, first winning Group A. They went unbeaten and outscored their opponents 27-5, only dropping points on the final day of the group stage in a dramatic 4-4 draw with Benfica this would do little to diminish his reputation. This was followed by a 5-2 win over Brann in the quarter-finals, but the real test of her mettle came in the semi-finals against Emma Hayes. Chelsea. Barcelona lost the first leg at home 1-0, but won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on a day of controversial refereeing to win the tie.
It seems like everything is business as usual in Barcelona, but a period of change beckons. Coach Jonatan Giraldez announced in December that he would leave the club for the Spirit, but Barcelona’s form never deteriorated. After a huge trophy haul that included the Champions League and the 2023 World Cup, Aitana Bonmati hasn’t slowed down with five goals this season. That number has been equaled by Caroline Graham Hansen, while the talented Salma Paralluelo leads the team with six.
Lyon: The eight-time champions were in fine form throughout, also topping their group in style by outscoring the other teams 25-5. Lyon drew with Brann and Slavia Prague but still finished first in Group B and then dominated the qualifiers with a 6-2 aggregate win over Benfica in the quarter-finals and a 5-3 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinals.
Kadidiatou Diani leads the competition with eight goals, while Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg has five this season and US women’s team captain Lindsey Horan is also among the standouts. Despite the season’s strong returns, there is an air of uncertainty hanging over Lyon too – Sonia Bompastor is expected to succeed Hayes at Chelsea after this season, so she and Giraldez are hoping for a storybook ending.
Prediction
With a squad full of World Cup winners and other top talent, it’s difficult to bet against Barcelona. Expect them to avenge the 2022 loss, even if the margins are quite close. Choice: Barcelona 2, Lyon 0
