Lyon and barcelona clash in historic women’s champions league final

For four long years, OL Lyonnes (formerly Olympique Lyonnais Féminin) has watched from the sidelines as rivals lifted the UEFA Women’s Champions League trophy. The club, historically the most successful in the competition with eight titles, is no stranger to dominance—but the last decade has seen an unprecedented obstacle emerge in the form of FC Barcelone Femení. Now, the two powerhouses face off once again in a blockbuster final set for Saturday, May 23 at 6:00 PM in Oslo, Norway.

Since 2018, Barça has cemented its place in the final nearly every year, claiming three titles (2021, 2023, 2024) along the way. The rivalry has only intensified, with both teams colliding in two of the most recent finals—Lyon’s last triumph in 2022 and Barcelona’s most recent victory in 2024. This clash in Oslo isn’t just another match; it’s a collision of titans, a battle for continental supremacy that promises fireworks on the pitch.

OL Lyonnes chases history with a quadruple dream within reach

Under the guidance of former Barcelona assistant Jonatan Giráldez, OL Lyonnes enters this final on the back of a season that has already rewritten its story. The team secured the Coupe de la Ligue in March and the Coupe de France in May, leaving two more titles within striking distance: the Champions League and the Arkema Division 1 Féminine title, to be decided on May 29 against Paris FC. A ninth European crown would not only break records but also silence any remaining doubts about Lyon’s enduring greatness.

“We set out to reach four finals this season—and we’ve done it. Now, we’re chasing four trophies. We want to send a message across Europe: we’re back, we’re stronger, and we’re here to compete at the highest level. Most of all, we want to make France proud.” — Selma Bacha, Lyon’s 25-year-old full-back and a vocal leader on the pitch.

Captain Wendie Renard, the 41-time Lyon trophy winner, echoed that sentiment with equal intensity: “We’re writing history right now. But history only remembers the winners. Everything else fades away.”

“We have a squad of world-class talent, and winning is what defines us. What matters most is what we leave behind.” — Melchie Dumornay, the 22-year-old sensation who recently claimed back-to-back Player of the Season awards. “We want to show our faces, prove that the club has evolved, and finally turn the page after our last meeting with Barcelona.”

“At times, it may have looked effortless from the outside, but it never was. The fact that we’re back in a final—after reshaping the squad and losing legends—speaks volumes.” — Ada Hegerberg, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner and Lyon’s all-time top scorer, reflecting on the club’s relentless drive for excellence.

Oslo duel: a sentimental journey for Lyon’s Norwegian stars

Beyond the trophies and rankings, the final carries deep personal meaning for two key players. Ada Hegerberg and Ingrid Engen, both Norwegian internationals, have the chance to lift the trophy on home soil in Oslo’s national stadium—a place they know well through their international duties.

“Playing in Norway is more than just a match; it’s a homecoming. I can’t wait to bring my team here, to showcase players like Wendie Renard—one of the greatest the women’s game has ever seen. This is about pride, about showing the world what we’re made of.” — Hegerberg, who has spent over a decade at Lyon.

“There was a real weight on our shoulders. We wanted to make sure this match happened in our country, in a stadium we know like the back of our hand. This isn’t just a final—it’s a moment for our families, our fans, and our nation.” — Ingrid Engen, who joined Lyon from Barcelona in the summer of 2025 after years in Spain.

For supporters unable to travel to Norway, Lyon’s official fan zone will open on Place des Terreaux in Lyon, featuring a giant screen for the live broadcast. It’s the club’s first-ever dedicated fan zone, a testament to the growing passion for women’s football in France.