Barcelona defended their Women’s Champions League title and completed a sensational quadruple with victory over record eight-time winners Lyon in a pulsating final in Bilbao.
Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati scored the opening goal when her strike was deflected past goalkeeper Christiane Endler at the near post in the second half.
And minutes after her late introduction, Alexia Putellas confirmed victory for Barcelona with a clinical finish in stoppage-time.
It is the first time Barcelona have beaten Lyon, making amends for their final defeat in 2022.
In manager Jonatan Giraldez’s final European match in charge, Barcelona controlled possession as expected but were largely frustrated by a stubborn Lyon defence.
However, Caroline Graham Hansen was a standout performer, creating opportunities for Barca and tormenting Lyon’s backline, and the pressure eventually paid off.
Graham Hansen dragged an effort wide of the far post in the first half and was denied by an excellent last-ditch challenge from Selma Bacha later on, after team-mate Patri Guijarro had tested Endler.
But Lyon, whose manager Sonia Bompastor is set to replace Emma Hayes at Chelsea, also had chances – they hit the crossbar when England defender Lucy Bronze almost deflected a corner into her own net, before Wendie Renard and Kadidiatou Diani came close.
The competition’s all-time record goalscorer Ada Hegerberg was only fit enough for Lyon’s bench following a calf injury and was introduced with 10 minutes of normal time to play, but she could not help her side find a response.
England internationals Bronze and Keira Walsh were among those to pick up winner’s medals for Barcelona as they become just the third club to win the Women’s Champions League three times.
