May 23 – Olympique Lyon reclaimed the European crown in women’s football following a sweeping three-goal first half against FC Barcelona to run out 3-1 winners in the final of the Champions League in Turin.
As defending champions and unbeaten in the Spanish league, the Catalans were favourites against the French, but Lyon were unfazed by Barcelona’s credentials and outplayed their opponents in a high-octane first half to win Europe’s premier club competition for a record 8th time.
Norwegian star Ada Hegerberg, who recently announced she will return to play for her country, inspired Lyon to victory with a five-star performance. Her tenacity was vital in the build-up to Amandine Henry’s marvellous 8th-minute strike before Hegerberg got on the scoresheet herself in the 23rd minute. The Norwegian provided the assist as well for Catarina Macario’s goal in the 33rd minute.
“I have difficulties finding the words to describe this,” said Hegerberg. “We faced a beautiful team, and we really went for this victory, and we let the football talk which is important for us.”
Alexia Putellas pulled a goal back for the Spanish before the pause, but Barcelona never found their rhythm against an aggressive French side.
“We knew that they would put a lot pressure on us,” said Barcelona coach Jonatan Giráldez. “It’s true the first goal, an astonishing goal, that made us very confused. We were a bit out of place. We knew the key to the game was to control their transitions and for some minutes we weren’t able to do that.
“Every defeat hurts but we knew this was a very important one as it was the chance to change history in our favour.”
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1714059738labto1714059738ofdlr1714059738owedi1714059738sni@i1714059738tnuk.1714059738ardni1714059738mas1714059738. Photo by Stephen Gormley.