Barcelona Clinches Dynasty, Wins Third Title in Four Years

The Women’s Champion’s League final ended similarly to how things have gone in recent years, with Barcelona holding up the trophy at the end of the match. Barcelona defeated Lyon by a score of 2-0 to win back-to-back titles. The win also gave Barcelona its third title in four years, officially stamping itself as a dynasty in the tournament.

Barcelona made it to the final in the year that they didn’t win the championship, losing to Lyon. This game was somewhat of a redemption match for this team and they passed with flying colors.

This was the first win for Barcelona over Lyon in the history between the two teams, having dropped the other four matchups. The French team remains the most accomplished club in the women’s game, having won eight European trophies over the years. Lyon’s dominance over the rest of Europe can’t be overstated, having played in 11 finals over a 15-year run.

In the 2021-22 Women’s Champion’s League final between the two teams, Lyon took down Barcelona 3-1. The Catalan club got its revenge in this one, led by Aitana Bonmati, the world’s best player. She put Barca ahead in the second half before former Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Puttellas sealed the game for Barcelona with an added goal in extra time.

Lyon would arguably have its best chance to take the lead early in the second half, but Gilles was unable to steer her header from Bacha’s free kick past Catalina Coll.

With the win, Barcelona now is the third team with at least three Women’s Champions League titles. The club sits behind Lyon and German club Eintracht Frankfurt. It has been a successful run of late for Barcelona, giving the team legitimate credibility around the world.

Barcelona defender Lucy Bronze spoke about the victory, acknowledging the history that the club made.

“We knew we needed to be a club that made history,” Barcelona defender Lucy Bronze told broadcaster DAZN afterwards, per Ben Morse of CNN. “It’s not easy, it’s hard to win it once, but to do it back to back, Lyon showed how difficult it is.”

The men’s team has normally been the more dominant, but it has been dealing with turmoil of late, including the departure of former player Xavi Hernández. This victory serves as a hopeful reminder to Barcelona that the program is still one of the more dominant clubs in all of the world. The team will be looking for a three-peat next season and if they are able to make it happen, it will be one of the greatest runs in recent history.