Lyon women face barcelona in historic champions league clash

The wait is over for OL Lyonnes, the most decorated club in Women’s Champions League history, as they prepare for their first final since 2022. Since lifting the trophy in Turin, the French giants have been denied by none other than FC Barcelone, who have dominated the competition for half a decade. The Spanish side enters the showdown in Oslo with three titles in the last four years, including a dramatic 2024 victory over Lyon in the final—a rematch that added salt to four years of heartbreak.

This Saturday at 18:00 in the Norwegian capital, the two powerhouses will clash once more in what promises to be a clash of titans. Six consecutive finals (excluding the COVID-19 interruption) have cemented Barcelona’s reputation as Europe’s new hegemon, but Lyon refuses to bow out of the narrative without a fight. Under the guidance of Spanish manager Jonatan Giráldez, the French side arrives on a high, having already clinched the Coupe de la Ligue and Coupe de France this season.

chasing history: lyon eyes a historic quadruple with ninth champions league title

The ambition in Lyon is sky-high. After securing two domestic cups, the team now sets its sights on a quadruple: the Women’s Champions League and the Arkema Première Ligue title, which awaits them in a decisive match against Paris FC on May 29. For a club with eight European crowns to its name, a ninth would not only extend its record but also silence any lingering doubts about the team’s ability to dominate in a new era.

“Reaching four finals was our first goal, and we did it. Now, we want all four trophies. We want to send a message to Europe—show them we’re here, we’re improving, and we’re making France proud.”, declared Selma Bacha, the 25-year-old full-back, echoing the collective resolve within the squad.

Captain Wendie Renard, who holds the record for most trophies won at the club (41), echoed the sentiment with a sharper edge. “We’re writing history, something extraordinary. But trophies only count if you win them—history remembers the victors.”

The squad’s youthful talent is also fueling the dream. Melchie Dumornay, just 22, has been pivotal this season, collecting back-to-back Player of the Season awards. “We have quality players, and winning trophies is what defines us. We want to show our faces, prove the club has evolved, and do better than our last clash with Barcelona.”, she stated.

“From the outside, it might have looked easy for us to keep winning, but it never was. says Ada Hegerberg, the first-ever Ballon d’Or Féminin winner in 2018. It’s remarkable that we’re back in a final, especially after changing the staff and losing so many legends. OL Lyonnes remains the best club to win titles—it’s in our DNA.”

a norwegian homecoming for lyon’s champions

Beyond the trophies and statistics, the final in Oslo carries deep personal meaning for two of Lyon’s stars. Both Ada Hegerberg and Ingrid Engen, who have spent over a decade building their careers in Lyon, now have the chance to lift the trophy on Norwegian soil—something they’ve dreamed of since joining the club.

“I can’t wait to return to Norway with this team—to show our incredible players to my people. Wendie Renard is one of the greatest in women’s football history; I want Norway to see her class, her greatness.”, Hegerberg passionately shared.

“Playing here is special. added Engen, who made the move from Barcelona to Lyon in the summer of 2025. It’s been a weight on our shoulders, but we absolutely wanted to experience this moment at home, in the stadium where we usually play for our national team.”

For the fans unable to make the journey, Lyon’s iconic Place des Terreaux will host the city’s first-ever fan zone, where supporters can gather to watch the match on a giant screen—a rare communal celebration for a club that thrives on connection between team and fans.