Lyon, the eight-time champions, earned a place in the Women’s Champions League final by defeating Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 away on Sunday, securing a 5-3 aggregate win in the semi-final. They had led 3-2 after the first leg against PSG and quickly took the lead in the return match in Paris with a goal from Selma Bacha. PSG’s Tabitha Chawinga equalized just before halftime, but Lyon sealed the victory late with a goal from Melchie Dumornay.
Lyon’s Final Showdown with Barcelona set
Lyon will face Barcelona in the final, who overcame Chelsea 2-1 on aggregate in the other semi-final, on May 25 in Bilbao. The final guarantees the trophy will go to either Lyon or Barcelona, who have dominated the competition in recent years. However, sharing the last eight Champions Leagues between them. Lyon had won six times in seven years before Barcelona claimed the title last season. Lyon also defeated Barcelona in the finals of 2019 and 2022.
Lyon’s Dominance in the Champions League
Lyon’s eight Champions League victories stand as a record, with no other team having won more than four times. In the first leg against PSG, Lyon staged a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to win 3-2 with late goals. They carried this momentum into the second leg, scoring early at Parc des Princes.
PSG, eager to avenge past defeats by Lyon, including a loss in the 2022 semi-final, had hoped after Chawinga’s goal before halftime. However, Lyon secured their victory with a late goal from Dumornay, assisted by Amel Majri.
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Barcelona’s Journey to the Final
Barcelona secured their spot in the final by defeating Chelsea 2-0 in London after trailing 1-0 in the first leg. In the second leg, Aitana Bonmati’s first-half goal leveled the aggregate score. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Kadeisha Buchanan was sent off just before the hour mark. And Fridolina Rolfo’s penalty in the 75th minute sealed Barcelona’s victory as defending champions.
When and where is the game?
The final match of the Women’s Champions League will kick off at 18:00 CET on Saturday, May 25, at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao. This marks the third time the final is held in Spain. The first took place in 2010 at Coliseum Alfonso Pérez in Madrid, followed by the unique eight-team tournament in 2020 at Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastián.
It is understood that San Mamés Stadium, home to Bilbao’s Athletic Club have a capacity of over 50,000. This is built on the site of the old San Mamés, replacing the 100-year-old arena in 2013. However, Athletic Club’s women’s team has played numerous games in the new stadium. Drawing a record attendance of 48,121 fans for a cup tie against Atlético de Madrid in 2019.
During the 2020 Women’s Champions League finals, San Mamés hosted two quarter-final matches (Barcelona vs. Atlético 1-0 and Lyon vs. Bayern 2-1) and one semi-final (OL vs. Paris Saint-Germain 1-0).
Conclusion
With Lyon and Barcelona set to face off in the Women’s Champions League final, fans are eagerly anticipating a thrilling match between two of the most dominant teams in the competition’s history. Lyon’s eight championship titles stand as a record, but Barcelona will be looking to defend their title and secure their fourth championship win. The final will take place at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, on May 25, and fans around the world will be tuning in to watch women’s football at its finest.
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Edmund Jaja is a sports enthusiast, Content Writer, Editor, and Storyteller from Nigeria. He’s been a die-hard Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United fan since the Fergie era, with the zeal and passion to inspire through writing.
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