Who better to speak for the squad than three of Barça’s most respected figures: head coach Pere Romeu, and the team’s two Ballon d’Or winners, Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí... ahead of the all-or-nothing showdown with Arsenal. Barça are looking to lift a historic fourth Champions League crown, but Romeu insists his side must “turn up the heat and deliver a top-class performance” if they’re to walk off victorious.

Pere Romeu seeking first

Having dispatched the English league champions Chelsea in the semis, and extremely convincingly, now Pere Romeu faces Arsenal, the runners-up in the WSL, but he knows “they’re a different beast. Chelsea sit deep and hit on the break. Arsenal play with fearless, attacking intent, with rapid wingers and a knack for overloading the box. Still, we’re masters at forcing opponents into our style.”

In his debut season as first team coach, the Barça boss has the chance of a lifetime, and he feels the weight of it: “This is a special match. After clinching La Liga, all our energy has gone into this final. It’s been a punishing week of work, but we’ve loved every minute. Hard work breeds confidence.”

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Alexia: 'Finals are always unpredictable'

Captain Alexia Putellas underlined that Barça “are brimming with confidence and energy. We’ve prepared tirelessly to be at our peak for these decisive games.” Freed from injuries this term, she’s reclaimed her regular spot: “I’ve had continuity, stayed fit, and I feel great,” she smiled.

On the match itself, she’s clear: “Finals are unpredictable, but whatever we can control, we will.” She recalled her first Barça v Arsenal Champions League tie, an opening-round defeat she “could never have imagined leading to this moment. It’s been an incredible journey from those nights at the Miniestadi to now. I’m privileged to have lived it all.”

Aitana claims favourite tag

Midfielder Aitana Bonmatí admitted she was “surprised to see Arsenal in the final, but they’ve earned it. Four goals against Lyon is no small feat ... We’re the favourites on paper, but it’s a final. You can’t take anything for granted, no matter how long it’s been since your opponent was last at this stage.”

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Reflecting on Barça’s path to yet another final, she said, “I’ve learned so much since our first run to Budapest. I thought we’d just go and enjoy it, but now we’re the team everyone wants to beat ... Knowing how to cope with pressure and how to dig in when it hurts has carried us through comebacks in past finals.”

Now comes the ultimate test against an Arsenal side featuring Laia Codina and Mariona Caldentey. On the former, Aitana smiled, “She’s had a fantastic season and deserves this stage. She’s a great player and friend, though I hope she slips up tomorrow.”

Because when continental glory beckons, friendships take a back seat. May the best team win, and here’s hoping it’ll be the team dressed in blaugrana.

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