Di Women’s Champions League final don kick off for Ullevaal Stadion for Oslo, and di atmosphere dey electric. Both Barcelona and Lyonnes don show say dem be di best two teams for Europe, with 11 Champions League titles between dem.
Early minutes, Ewa Pajor bin barge into Selma Bacha back, give away free-kick. Barcelona no fit string two passes together. Lyon dey enjoy plenty ball as dem try calm nerves. Di sun dey shine for Oslo, and fans dey make noise.
Salma Paralluelo drive forward but go ground as she try feed Pajor, referee wave play on. Lindsey Heaps bin foul Alexia Putellas early. Di game don start physical, no side dey pull punches.
Barcelona dey play 4-3-3: Cata Coll; Batlle, Paredes, Leon, Brugts; Serrajordi, Guijarro, Putellas; Graham Hansen, Pajor, Parralluelo. Lyonnes dey 4-3-3: Endler; Lawrence, Renard, Engen, Bacha; Dumoray, Heaps, Yohannes; Becho, Hegerberg; Brand.
Lyon get physical advantage, dem bin battle past Arsenal for semi-final. Barcelona get slick football, world class players like Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati. But dem face financial pressure, several stars like Putellas, Mapi Leon, Ona Batlle, and Caroline Graham Hansen dey final weeks of contract.
Ewa Pajor don score for each of her past four Champions League appearances. She fit become first player to score in quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final since competition reformat. She tell BBC: ‘I am very proud to get another chance to play in the final. We will do everything.’
Lyon’s Ingrid Engen talk: ‘A very special day. To be in a Champions League final is highlight of your career. I believe a lot in our plan.’ Ada Hegerberg fit become first player to score in final for five different seasons. She don score against Barcelona for 2019 and 2022.
Lyon coach Jonatan Giraldez, former Barcelona boss, face his old assistant Pere Romeu. Giraldez win two Champions League titles with Barcelona before join Washington Spirit. He talk: ‘You got to leave emotions out and be focused.’
Both teams win domestic titles. Barcelona win five and draw one of six league phase matches. Lyon also win five and draw one, but dem overcome first leg defeats for quarter-finals and semi-finals. Dem beat Wolfsburg 4-0 at home after losing 1-0 away, and beat Arsenal 3-1 after trailing 2-1.
Di game dey tight, both sides dey try find opening. Fans dey expect goalfest because attacking talent dey plenty. Di winner go add cherry for Oslo.
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