UWCL Final Preview and…

The UEFA Women’s Champions League final will see two of the greatest women’s teams clash in Oslo on May 23. The eight-time champions OL Lyon take on three-time winners and last year’s finalists Barcelona, after both teams triumphed over Arsenal and Bayern Munich in the semifinals.

This match is a rematch of the 2024 final, where Barcelona defeated OL Lyon 2-0 with goals from Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas. What will be different this time? Who will come out on top?

What will the atmosphere be like in Oslo?

Expecting a packed Lyon crowd in Oslo might be optimistic. While their home support during the semifinal against Arsenal was commendable, their away attendance at the Emirates was less than stellar.

Despite OL’s impressive history in this tournament, their fanbase has yet to reach the same level of traveling fervor seen with some of Europe’s elite. Recall the 2023 final in Bilbao, where the OL Angelles supporters formed just a small portion of the crowd at San Mamés.

Considering the travel difficulties to Oslo, the Lyon fans may be significantly outnumbered. Nonetheless, the stadium, with a capacity of 28,000, will still see a solid turnout of fans and neutrals, and although this crowd is nearly half the size of last year’s at the Lisbon final (50,000), the smaller venue may make the limited attendance feel less conspicuous. — Emily Keogh

Barcelona’s ascent has been marked by phenomenal support, highlighted by record crowds exceeding 90,000 at Camp Nou in 2022, followed by 62,000 sell-outs in the recent quarter and semifinals. Fans have rallied around finals in Turin, Bilbao, and Lisbon in recent years. However, Oslo presents a unique challenge. UEFA has declared the match sold out, but only 2,500 tickets were allotted to each team. As Emily noted, Barcelona is expected to have a significantly larger following than OL Lyon, but logistical issues will affect attendance this time.

“No offense to Norway — it’s a beautiful place — but the circumstances differ from previous years,” Bonmatí stated recently. “After competing in vast stadiums, traveling to Norway for a smaller venue feels like a decline. It leaves some fans out. Plus, the travel options are not very convenient. My family and friends will have to make multiple connections.” — Sam Marsden

Are Barcelona driven to prove they remain the world’s premier women’s team?

Despite having clinched the title in 2021 and 2023, it was only after a win against OL Lyon in the 2024 final that Barça truly felt like the top team in Europe. That match marked their first victory over the French side, a dominant force in women’s football for the past 15 years.

“It was a turning point for our confidence,” goalkeeper Cata Coll said this week. “You realize you can beat them because you’ve done so. That removes the fear.”

However, last season’s stunning defeat to Arsenal in the final in Lisbon and OL Lyon’s resurgence under Giráldez has reignited the discussion. Who is the dominant team today? Saturday’s match will help provide answers.

Appearing in their sixth consecutive final, Barça are eager to settle the argument by defeating OL Lyon again, claiming their fourth European title and asserting themselves as Europe’s foremost team. — Marsden

How will OL Lyon coach Jonatan Giráldez handle his former team, and can he break their trophy drought?

If anyone knows how to thwart Barcelona, it’s Giráldez. Much of Barcelona’s current strategy stems from the foundation he laid during his time at the club, with his ex-assistant Pere Romeu now maintaining that philosophy.

Giráldez himself has acknowledged that not much has changed at Barcelona since his departure, which could present a significant advantage for the eight-time champions.

Emotions will play a part in this matchup as Giráldez faces his old club, colleagues, and players for the first time. Yet, as a consummate professional and seasoned winner, sentiment is unlikely to distract him from the task ahead. — Keogh

What are the major injury concerns for each team?

For Barcelona, defender Laia Aleixandri is the only confirmed absentee, but there are uncertainties surrounding other key players. Midfielder Caroline Graham Hansen, who has been out for the last three games due to a thigh injury, resumed training this week and is expected to be fit for the final, which is being held in her hometown of Oslo. Spanish defender Irene Paredes, who was an unused substitute in last weekend’s Copa de la Reina final, should also be available.

The only remaining doubt is regarding star midfielder Bonmatí’s role. The three-time Ballon d’Or winner returned from a broken leg after five months and participated in the semifinal victory over Bayern Munich, but she hasn’t completed a full match since her return. — Marsden

OL Lyon will miss one of their standout players, Kadidiatou Diani, who suffered a knee injury during the semifinal against Arsenal and underwent surgery that will sideline her for this match. Giráldez will need to adjust his strategy without this key player, but the core of his squad remains fit. — Keogh

Who is the key player for Barcelona?

Patri Guijarro: With Bonmatí likely starting on the bench—though she will strive to change the coach’s mind—the spotlight will largely be on Putellas. Additionally, pressure mounts on striker Ewa Pajor, who has lost five Champions League finals without ever winning this trophy.

However, if Guijarro performs well, Barcelona usually secures victory. She is vital to the team’s operations in defense, transition, and attack. Her performance brought them back into the 2023 final against Wolfsburg and she will be crucial for their chances this weekend. Unfortunately for Barça, Lyon’s coach Giráldez knows very well how essential it is to contain her. — Marsden

Who is the key player for OL Lyon?

Melchie Dumornay: If OL Lyon are to reclaim their status at the pinnacle of European football, Dumornay will be integral to their strategy. Lyon arguably possesses the strongest squad in the competition, with talent throughout. However, the Haiti international has risen to prominence as a standout player this season.

Her absence in the first leg of the semifinal was keenly felt, and her return altered the outcome completely. Dumornay was instrumental in guiding OL Lyon back to the final, and alongside the proficient Jule Brand, who has been one of the season’s standout signings, she has helped transform OL Lyon into one of Europe’s most menacing attacking units. — Keogh

What is your prediction for the game?

OL Lyon 3-2 Barcelona (AET): This match could swing either way, but I’m leaning towards OL Lyon. The French side hasn’t consistently impressed this season, yet their depth and attacking talent are formidable.

Bayern demonstrated that pressing Barcelona can yield results. I also feel that Giráldez will have the tactical advantage over his former assistant, Romeu. — Marsden

OL Lyon 2-1 Barcelona: I have consistently believed that OL Lyon will take home the Champions League this season. In a two-legged match, I’d lean towards Barcelona, but in a one-off game, particularly after last season’s exit, I think the French side will prove themselves once more.

It’s been a long time coming for them to remind everyone that they are the same team that dominated this competition with eight titles, and I can easily envision this final being decided by a last-minute goal. — Keogh