Lyon faces barcelona in historic women’s champions league final

The wait is over. After four long years without lifting the Women’s Champions League trophy, OL Lyon—the most successful club in the competition’s history—stands on the brink of redemption. With eight titles to their name, the French giants are built for glory, yet their path to the summit has been blocked in recent years by an unrelenting force: FC Barcelona.

For the past six seasons, Barcelona has dominated Europe’s premier women’s club competition, reaching six consecutive finals (excluding the COVID-affected year) and securing three victories: 2021, 2023, and 2024. The rivalry between these two titans has already produced two dramatic encounters—OL Lyon’s last triumph in 2022 and Barcelona’s most recent in 2024. Now, as they prepare to clash once again, this Saturday, May 23 at 6:00 PM in Oslo, Norway, the stage is set for a showdown of unparalleled intensity.

OL Lyon’s quest for a historic quadruple: can they rewrite history?

Under the guidance of former Barcelona coach Jonatan Giráldez, OL Lyon enters this final with momentum, fresh off back-to-back domestic titles: the Coupe de la Ligue on March 14 and the Coupe de France on May 10. The French side is now eyeing an unprecedented quadruple, with the chance to add the Women’s Champions League and the Arkema Division 1 Féminine title—scheduled against Paris FC on May 29 at the Groupama Stadium—to their trophy cabinet.

“We set out to reach four finals, and we’ve done it. Now, we need the four trophies. We want to send a message to Europe: we’re here, we’re growing, and we deserve to be recognized. Most of all, we want to make France proud,” declares Selma Bacha, the Lyon left-back, her voice brimming with determination. Her captain, Wendie Renard—who has amassed an astonishing 41 trophies with OL Lyon—echoes the sentiment: “We’re writing history, crafting something extraordinary. But none of it will matter unless we win; history only remembers the victors.”

“This group is full of talent, and winning trophies is what defines us,” adds Melchie Dumornay, the 22-year-old midfielder who recently claimed back-to-back Player of the Season awards. “We want to showcase our faces, prove that the club has evolved, and outperform our last meeting with Barcelona.”

A ninth Champions League title would further cement Lyon’s status as Europe’s most decorated women’s club. “From the outside, it might have looked effortless when we dominated,” reflects Ada Hegerberg, the first-ever Ballon d’Or Feminin winner in 2018. “But it was never easy. It’s remarkable that we’re back in a final, especially after a coaching change and the departure of so many legends. I’ve always believed OL is the best club to win trophies.”

Oslo awaits: a final with personal stakes for Lyon’s Norwegian stars

The backdrop of Oslo adds a layer of emotional significance to this clash. For Lyon’s Norwegian duo—Ada Hegerberg and Ingrid Engen—playing on home soil is a chance to deliver a trophy to their nation and inspire the next generation.

“I can’t wait to return to Norway with my team, to showcase players like Wendie Renard—one of the greatest in women’s football history—to our people,” Hegerberg shares. “I want them to see this class, this greatness, in my country.”

“This match carries extra weight for Ada and me,” admits Engen, who joined Lyon from Barcelona in the summer of 2025. “We dreamed of playing this final in our home country, in the stadium where we represent our national team. It’s a privilege we’re determined to honor.”

For Lyon’s loyal supporters unable to make the trip, the excitement will still be palpable. A fan zone will be set up at Place des Terreaux in Lyon, where the match will be broadcast live on a giant screen, allowing the city to rally behind its team together.