Barça Women enjoyed a perfect Sunday. Not only did they book their place in another Champions League final, but a packed Spotify Camp Nou also witnessed the long-awaited return of Aitana Bonmatí.

The midfielder suffered a serious injury on international duty with Spain at the end of November 2025 and underwent surgery on 2 December. This Sunday 3 May she finally pulled on her kit again.

Standing ovation

She made her return in the 67th minute of the Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich, replacing Clara Serrajordi with the score already at 4–1. With the tie effectively wrapped up, the 60,021 fans in attendance gave her a rousing ovation.

And although Bayern pulled one back to make it 4–2 and threatened to add late drama, Bonmatí was able to savour every second, and even came close to scoring a fifth herself. In the end, there was a brief scare with a Bayern goal ruled out, but it finished in celebration: for the sixth consecutive season, Barça are Champions League finalists.

Back in time

It was a particularly special moment for the three-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has overcome a syndesmotic fracture of her left fibula. A huge boost for Pere Romeu’s side, who can now count on the Catalan midfielder, so central to Barça’s recent success, for both the Copa de la Reina and the Champions League finals.

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