Barcelona women win Champions League for fourth time in six years
FC Barcelona's women's team defeated OL Lyonnais 4-0 in the Champions League final in Oslo. It is the fourth European title in six years for the Catalans, following previous triumphs in 2021, 2023 and 2024. Polish forward Ewa Pajor was the standout performer with two goals and eleven strikes in total, claiming the tournament's top scorer award. Dutch international Esmee Brugts played a key role in the second goal.
Barcelona dismantle record holders Lyon
For the fourth time in six years, FC Barcelona Femenino can call themselves champions of Europe. In the Norwegian capital Oslo, the side managed by coach Pere Romeu proved far too strong for eight-time winners OL Lyonnais, running out 4-0 victors. All four goals came after the break, in a final that remained tight for a long time without producing an abundance of clear-cut chances.
Goalless first half as Lyon strike ruled out
In the first half, Barcelona visibly struggled to dismantle a well-organised French defence. Lyon opted for a cautious approach, but came close after quarter of an hour when Lindsey Horan tapped in the rebound following a header from Wendie Renard. The celebrations were short-lived, however, as the goal was ruled out for offside. Shortly afterwards, Ewa Pajor attempted a lob after a Lyon error, but the ball drifted just wide. Ada Hegerberg and Pajor also had half-chances, but the teams went in goalless at the break.
Pajor makes history as top scorer and winner
After the restart, Barcelona cranked up the pressure with telling effect. Ten minutes into the second half, Pajor finished off a slick counter-attack with a diagonal strike to make it 1-0. It was a landmark moment for the Polish forward, who had appeared in the Champions League final five times previously without ever finishing on the winning side. Lyon attempted to respond and Vicki Bècho briefly threatened an equaliser, but goalkeeper Catalina Coll produced a fine save. Twenty minutes from time, Pajor added her second of the evening. Esmee Brugts delivered a cross that fell to the Polish striker via Salma Paralluelo, and she finished coolly to make it 2-0. With eleven goals in total, Pajor also claimed the tournament's Golden Boot.
Paralluelo seals victory, Brugts claims second title
Substitute Tabitha Chawinga spurned a glorious opportunity by failing to convert one-on-one with Coll, but Barcelona were unfazed. Paralluelo put the result beyond doubt with two goals: first a stunning strike into the top corner, then a finish that completed the 4-0 scoreline. For Esmee Brugts, the 22-year-old Dutch international who played a significant part in the second goal, it is her second Champions League title with Barcelona following her success in 2024. Lyon started former Ajax player Lily Yohannes, while her compatriot Damaris Egurrola remained on the bench. With this victory, Barcelona have once again written themselves into the history books of women's football.
Related
Source: Via NOS (GNews)
Comments
- Be the first to comment.