FC Barcelona Femení and OL Lyonnes are set to meet once again in the battle for the European crown. Two teams that have become accustomed to facing each other in the decisive match for continental glory. The 2025/26 season will see the fourth final between the Catalans and the French side, but things are a lot tighter now than they were in their first meeting. Barça have undergone a remarkable transformation and have already scooped the biggest prize of all three times.

A bitter first encounter

Barça are now a very different side from the one that appeared in the final in Budapest, which now feels like it belongs in the distant past, but was actually just seven years ago. At the Ferencváros Stadion, the French side overwhelmed an inexperienced Barcelona team in the 2018/19 final. Only a late goal from Oshoala softened the blow for a team that was already 4-0 down in the first half hour. That was Lyon's sixth Champions League title.

That clash in Hungary was the first time the Catalans had made it to the European final, and they also failed to win the league that season. Four consecutive campaigns without inning the domestic title. That seems almost unimaginable today for a side that has won seven league titles in a row, and usually in comfortable fashion.

Simply reaching Budapest was already a huge achievement for a side still unaccustomed to competing at the highest continental level. Yet it also proved to be a turning point, because after that harsh first experience, sweeter days would follow, both domestically and in Europe.

Following the 2018/19 campaign, Barça began to build a dynasty in Liga F with the seven straight league titles they now boast. And they also established themselves as one of Europe’s most feared sides. The final in Oslo is the Catalans' sixth consecutive Champions League final appearance, a record no other club can match. 

Joy of first title

Before arriving at Oslo’s Ullevaal Stadion, FC Barcelona experienced further stages in their development. Gothenburg brought the club its first Champions League title, with players such as Alexia, Aitana, Mapi León, Graham Hansen and Patri already forming the nucleus of the team. Young stars who made history and helped Barça lay the foundations for their dominance in European football.

That emphatic 4-0 victory over Chelsea in the 2020/21 final marked the beginning of years filled with confetti. The following season, Barça reached another continental final, but once again encountered their nemesis. OL Lyonnes prevailed again. Turin was another painful evening as Barça fell 3-1, though it was still another step forward on the journey.

Two in a row

Sandra Paños, María León, Marta Torrejón, Mariona Caldentey, Alexia Putellas, Patri Guijarro, Aitana Bonmatí, Asisat Oshoala and Gemma Font formed the core group that reached four finals and collected two European crowns.

The second came in Eindhoven in the 2022/23 campaign, a night forever etched into Barça folklore. Wolfsburg, one of Europe’s giants, were undone by a stunning Barcelona comeback. The script looked bleak when the Germans led 2-0, but a Patri Guijarro brace and a goal from Fridolina Rolfö turned the final on its head in dramatic fashion, with suspense right until the final whistle.

Victory over their nemesis

It was another unforgettable celebration for the culers, and one that carried over into the following season. To the solid core of previous years, despite departures such as Jenni Hermoso, Lieke Martens and Leila, Barça added proven European stars like Walsh and Bronze.

At last, FC Barcelona managed to overcome OL Lyonnes in Europe. Goals from Aitana and Alexia, who have dominated the Ballon d’Or in recent years, decided the final against their long-time nemesis. Barça had closed the gap on Lyon, though the French side still led the all-time honours list, three European titles for the culers and eight for Lyon heading into this season’s final.

02:09
HIGHLIGHTS | Barça v Olympique Lyonnais

 

Now, Pere Romeu’s side travel to Oslo carrying the disappointment of last season’s final defeat to Arsenal in Lisbon. But with the same philosophy that has guided them in recent years, blending experienced players with emerging young talent, Barça can now look at Lyon eye to eye.

Because since Budapest in 2019, the Catalan side have grown and grown. From challengers to champions. Oslo is simply the latest stop in the extraordinary rise of Barça Femení to becoming a true benchmark in European football.

More news here