The Barcelona Women’s Team clinched the 2023/24 Women’s Champions League by defeating Lyon 2-0 in the final. Over the past nine years, both Barcelona and Lyon have dominated the Women’s Champions League, with Lyon securing titles in 2019 and 2022.
The game today took place at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, drawing a crowd of over 50,827 fans. The first half ended goalless, with Barcelona Femení dominating possession at 60% compared to Lyon’s 40%. The Spanish side created seven goal-scoring opportunities but managed only two shots on target in the first half.
26-year-old Spanish forward Aitana Bonmati scored the first goal of the game for Barcelona in the 63rd minute after she made use of a superb assist from teammate Mariona Caldentey. Lyon were running out of options as all efforts to get an equalizer yielded no results.
Barcelona’s all-time leading goalscorer and captain, Alexia Putellas, came on to replace Keira Walsh as Barcelona sought to secure victory with a second goal. Just when the game was about to end the 30-year-old slotted home with her left foot with a pass from Claudia Pina to double the lead for Barcelona feminine.
Barcelona ended the game with 58% ball possessions against 42% for Lyon. The Blaugrana have now become only the third team to win the competition at least three times, thwarting the ambitions of Lyon boss Sonia Bompastor, who is expected to become the manager of Chelsea Women’s Football club next season.
2023/24 Women’s Champions League top Scorers
9 Goals – Marie Alidou (Benfica)
9 Goals – Romée Leuchter (Ajax)
8 Goals – Kadidiatou Diani (Lyon)
7 Goals – Julie Dufour (Paris FC)
7 Goals – Marie-Antoinette Katoto (Paris Saint-Germain)
6 Goals – Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona)
6 Goals – Tabitha Chawinga (Paris Saint-Germain)
6 Goals – Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona)
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Story by: David Kwaku Dzaku| univers.ug.edu.gh
