Barcelona v Lyon LIVE: Women’s Champions League final score and result as Alexia Putellas goal seals win

Second-half goals from Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas earned Barcelona a 2-0 win over Olympique Lyonnais in the Women’s Champions League final, their second straight victory in the competition.

Barca, who beat Vfl Wolfsburg 3-2 in last year’s final, came into the game seeking to go one better than their 2019 and 2022 finals against French powerhouse Lyon, which they lost 4-1 and 3-1 respectively.

Bonmati, who won the Ballon d’Or and Fifa Best Women’s Player award for 2023, struck in the 63rd minute with a shot from a tight angle which deflected off Lyon’s Vanessa Gilles past keeper Christiane Endler.

With their fans vastly outnumbered at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao, Lyon sent on Norwegian striker Ada Hegerberg but the competition’s record goal-scorer was unable to find the net and Putellas came off the bench and netted a stoppage-time goal to seal Barcelona’s win.

Follow live reaction from the Women’s Champions League final in Bilbao after Barcelona beat Lyon, or watch live and free on DAZN

Barcelona vs Lyon LIVE: Women’s Champions League final latest updates

• Goals from Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati seal Barcelona’s Champions League defence

• Barcelona beat record winners Lyon for first time to win third Champions League in four years

• Report: The ‘queen’ of Barcelona finally gets her moment

• GOAL! Barcelona 2-0 Lyon (Alexia Putellas, 90+6 min)

• GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Lyon (Bonmati, 63 min)

• Watch Barcelona face Lyon in the Women’s Champions League final, live and free on DAZN

The ‘queen’ of Barcelona finally gets her moment to seal sweetest Women’s Champions League yet

19:33 , Jamie Braidwood

Alexia Putellas stood on the sidelines, watching, the captain’s armband already wrapped around her left arm. For almost three years, since rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament on the eve of the Euros, Putellas has spent too long doing just that: waiting, looking on, as others have shone in the spotlight. The clock in the San Mames had reached 90 minutes. Time was up.

Yet it was Putellas who arrived just at the right moment to settle this Women’s Champions League final, striking to earn Barcelona a famous first-ever victory over Lyon and earn a third European crown in four years. With it, Lyon’s reign may be over, an era passed. Barcelona defended their Champions League and they did it their way, a 2-0 victory over the record eight-time champions sealed by their own.

There could not have been two more popular goalscorers than Putellas and Aitana Bonmati, Barcelona’s two Ballon d’Or winners. As Putellas crashed a left-footed shot high into the net, it wasn’t just the stand behind the goal that erupted; the San Mames shook. It had done so before, as Bonmati sent Barcelona on their way, but there were nerves as Lyon plotted a route back. For so long in the Women’s Champions League, Lyon were its inevitable force. Could they salvage something?

Not here, not tonight.

Alexia Putellas arrives just in time to earn Barcelona’s sweetest Champions League

Keira Walsh, after becoming a two-time Champions League winner

20:38 , Jamie Braidwood

Barcelona midfielder Keira Walsh speaking to DAZN: "Really really happy, I think we played a really good game today. I've lost my voice with all the shouting but I'm really really happy!

"To win the four trophies that we set out to this year and today it felt like a home game so to do it in front of our fans was really special and for Jona [Jonatan Giraldez] to go out like this was amazing but these girls are special. You could see the way we played and they're just a great bunch of girls."

On Alexia Putellas: "You could see the celebrations from the girls. To go 2-0 up was massive and I think it made it more special that it was her. You could see what she means to this team, to this city, to this club, so we're all really happy that she's signed. It's Alexia Putellas."

History for Lucy Bronze

20:20 , Jamie Braidwood

History for Lucy Bronze, who now has a second Champions League with Barcelona to add to the three she won with Lyon.

She is the first English player to win five European Cups.

Aitana Bonmati named player of the match

20:18 , Jamie Braidwood

Aitana Bonmati adds another player of the match award in the Women’s Champions League final, adding to her honour from the Women’s World Cup final, too.

Sonia Bompastor declines to talk about future after Champions League final defeat

20:05 , Jamie Braidwood

Lyon manager Sonia Bompastor is asked about future at her press conference: “It’s not the right moment to talk about it. I’m disappointed, that’s all.”

Bompastor is expected to be announced as the next Chelsea manager, replacing Emma Hayes, but declines to confirm whether tonight was her last match as Lyon manager.

Bompastor goes on to say Barcelona are an “inspiration” and says Lyon fans should still be confident that they can compete at the top of the women’s game.

“We have to congratulate Barcelona for the passion they have for women’s football, they are an example. Lyon have experience with playing in hostile environments, but it makes a difference. It’s an inspiration for us, and for France.

“Their quality, and supporters, is very positive. All the clubs we need to be inspired by that, to find reasons to fight that.”

Full-time: Barcelona 2-0 Lyon

19:56 , Jamie Braidwood

Barcelona boss Jonatan Giraldez speaking to DAZN: "It was an incredible game. I am really happy, it’s one of the best days of my life for sure.

"We did an amazing job. I am very proud of all of them. When I decided in December to leave the team at the end of the season, people criticised the decision that maybe the performance of the team are going down. We showed today the amazing performance we have and deserved the victory."

On Alexia Putellas' goal: "Everyone did an amazing job. Alexia only played five or six minutes but there are other players as well. This is a special moment for them."

On if he will miss the Women's Champions League when he moves to Washington Spirit: "It was the best thing that could happen today with me, my family, almost 40 people coming from Galicia. It is a special moment and I will enjoy it."

Record crowd witness Barcelona triumph

19:22 , Lawrence Ostlere

Today’s crowd of 50,827 set a new attendance record for a Women’s Champions League final.

The mark surpassed the 50,212 that saw Lyon beat Eintracht Frankfurt in 2012 in Munich.

It is still well short of the Champions League’s highest attendance, though: in 2022, 91,648 saw Barcelona’s 5-1 rout of Wolfsburg in the first leg of their Women’s Champions League semifinal at Camp Nou Stadium.

Barcelona win the Champions League

19:16 , Lawrence Ostlere

Alexia Putellas lifts the trophy in the air as the tickertape falls and the crowd – many of whom have stayed for this moment – roar their approval.

Lucy Bronze speaks

19:06 , Lawrence Ostlere

Bronze tells DAZN: “We knew that we needed this to be a club that really made history. We go down in history as one of the best teams in Europe.”

On Putellas: “She’s the captain of the team, she’s the queen of Barcelona for a reason. She’s had to work really hard to get back fit, and she’s shown today why she’s a back-to-back Ballon d’Or winner.”

What about tonight? “Friends and family will be celebrating tonight, we’ve won it all so we’ve got a lot to celebrate.”

Full-time: Barcelona 2-0 Lyon

19:03 , Lawrence Ostlere

Second-half goals from Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas earned Barcelona a 2-0 win over Olympique Lyonnais in the Women’s Champions League final on Saturday, their second straight victory in the competition.

Barca, who beat Vfl Wolfsburg 3-2 in last year’s final, came into the game seeking to go one better than their 2019 and 2022 finals against French powerhouse Lyon, which they lost 4-1 and 3-1 respectively.

Bonmati, who won the Ballon d’Or and FIFA Best Women’s Player award for 2023, struck in the 63rd minute with a shot from a tight angle which deflected off Lyon’s Vanessa Gilles past keeper Christiane Endler.

With their fans vastly outnumbered at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao, Lyon sent on Norwegian striker Ada Hegerberg but the competition’s record goal-scorer was unable to find the net and Putellas came off the bench and netted a stoppage-time goal to seal Barcelona’s win.

Full-time: Barcelona 2-0 Lyon

19:01 , Lawrence Ostlere

Players and staff stream on to the pitch to begin the celebrations and the Bilbao crowd are loving it. Two goals by two great Barcelona stars, Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, sealed the trophy.

In the Lyon huddle there are tears after a near miss at San Mames.

Full-time: Barcelona 2-0 Lyon

18:59 , Lawrence Ostlere

The final whistle blows and for the second season in a row, Barcelona are the champions of Europe.

GOAL! Barcelona 2-0 Lyon (Alexia Putellas, 90+6 min)

18:56 , Lawrence Ostlere

Game over! And what a finish by Alexia Putellas, the Ballon d’Or winner who scores in the Champions League final for the third time, and this one will have been emotional after two years disrupted by injuries. She sweeps the ball into the roof of the net, and that is that.

Barcelona 1-0 Lyon

18:53 , Lawrence Ostlere

90+3 min: Alexia Putellas replaces Keira Walsh, who has been solid all game, and Mariona Caldentey is swapped for Claudia Pina.

Lucy Bronze takes a whack in the face defending bravely in her own box. She’s closing in on a fifth Champions League winner’s medal.

Barcelona 1-0 Lyon

18:50 , Lawrence Ostlere

90 min: Six minutes will be added on. Do Lyon have another big chance left in them?

Barcelona 1-0 Lyon

18:48 , Lawrence Ostlere

88 min: Another Lyon chance, this time for Ada Hegerberg as she gets her head to a cross, but she can’t generate enough power to trouble Coll.

Barcelona 1-0 Lyon

18:47 , Lawrence Ostlere

85 min: Lyon have a corner... Cata Coll parries it clear and Amel Majri slices her shot wide. That was a decent chance!

Barcelona 1-0 Lyon

18:43 , Lawrence Ostlere

81 min: They are both OK, thankfully, and play goes on.

Ada Hegerberg is finally on for these final 10 minutes. That she was so left so late suggests she is only partially fit, but Lyon are going to throw everything at this now. They flip to a back three and go looking for the equaliser...

Barcelona 1-0 Lyon

18:39 , Lawrence Ostlere

78 min: A horrible clash here, as Lindsey Horan throws herself into a challenge with Barcelona goalkeeper Coll. Both go down needing some treatment.

Barcelona 1-0 Lyon

18:35 , Lawrence Ostlere

74 min: Barcelona are not far away now from a third successive Champions League triumph, and Graham Hansen almost seals it with a brilliant dribble from inside her own half. She bounces a one-two off Paralluelo on the edge of the box and goes for the finish, but the ball is pinched off her toes at the very last moment.

Barcelona 1-0 Lyon

18:32 , Lawrence Ostlere

71 min: Hansen tries her luck from a free-kick about 25 yards out, but it strikes the wall.

Barcelona 1-0 Lyon

18:29 , Lawrence Ostlere

67 min: Lyon come surging forwards looking to level things up.

Ona Batlle replaces Fridolina Rolfo for Barcelona; Amel Majri replaces Delphine Cascarino for Lyon.

GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Lyon (Bonmati, 63 min)

18:24 , Lawrence Ostlere

The deadlock is broken! And what a bit of play this is by the great Aitana Bonmati. She bursts from midfield and receives the ball on the edge of the box before driving forwards. She steadies herself and fires at goal with her left foot, and gets a bit lucky with a deflection which spins up past Endler and into the far corner.

Barcelona 0-0 Lyon

18:21 , Lawrence Ostlere

60 min: Fridolina Rolfo plays a tricky clipped cross towards the back post which Endler flaps underneath and misses, and Lyon scramble it clear. It looks like we’ll see some substitutions soon.

Barcelona 0-0 Lyon

18:19 , Lawrence Ostlere

57 min: The partisan crowd are getting frustrated with the referee and more generally with this second half performance, which as yet has not yielded any significant chances for Barcelona.

Barcelona 0-0 Lyon

18:15 , Lawrence Ostlere

53 min: Dumornay scurries forwards on the counter-attack threateningly before slowing down and waiting for some support, and the move eventually breaks down. Lyon, though, have started this second half brightly.

Barcelona 0-0 Lyon

18:13 , Lawrence Ostlere

50 min: Carpenter tries a Cruyff-turn on the edge of her own box, loses the ball and is almost punished but Barcelona can’t capitalise on the moment. That was a bit casual.

Barcelona 0-0 Lyon

18:06 , Lawrence Ostlere

47 min: Dumornay jinks into the box and reaches the byline before fizzing in a low cross, but it’s easily stopped by Coll low down near her front post.

Kick-off! Barcelona 0-0 Lyon

18:05 , Lawrence Ostlere

The second half is under way in Bilbao. No changes by either manager at the break.

Half-time: Barcelona 0-0 Lyon

18:00 , Lawrence Ostlere

So after an entertaining but goalless first half, can someone stamp themselves on this second half and write some European football history? We’ll find out, as the players emerge for kick-off.

HALF TIME! Barcelona 0-0 Lyon

17:49 , Jamie Braidwood

45+2 mins: It’s goalless at the break! Not sure how. There has been plenty of chance and goalmouth action at both ends. Just before the break, Caldentey saw her shot blocked by Gilles.

Lyon are up against it, with this crowd. The eight-time champions have managed it well.

Barcelona 0-0 Lyon

17:46 , Jamie Braidwood

45 mins: Another thrilling run from Hansen, gliding in from the right wing. She drills a shot across goal and narrowly wide.

There will be two minutes added on.

Barcelona 0-0 Lyon

17:44 , Jamie Braidwood

43 mins: Dumornay finds a pocket to turn and drive before feeding Diani. The top scorer in this season’s Champions League fires over the bar.

Barcelona 0-0 Lyon

17:40 , Jamie Braidwood

39 mins: Cascarino’s shot is blocked and from the corner, Renard meets it. The captain’s header is straight at Coll, who collects.

Barcelona 0-0 Lyon

17:39 , Jamie Braidwood

38 mins: All of Barcelona’s best play is coming down the right and through Hansen. Another dangerous run this time ends with a cross, and a tangle between Paralluelo and Gilles. Rebecca Welsh the referee says it was a foul on Gilles, which is not a popular decision.

Barcelona 0-0 Lyon

17:36 , Jamie Braidwood

35 mins: Barcelona have made an effort to improve their physicality in the years since their last meeting with Lyon, but the French side still look to have the advantage there in midfield. There have been some robust challenges so far from Bompastor’s team.

Barcelona 0-0 Lyon

17:30 , Jamie Braidwood

27 mins: OFF THE LINE! It suddenly opens up for Patri as she skips through a couple of challengers and finds herself through on goal! Endler is able to make the save at her near post, but Lyon fail to clear and Bacha has to hack off the goalline at her second attempt!

Barcelona 0-0 Lyon

17:27 , Jamie Braidwood

25 mins: It’s Lyon’s turn for a spell of possession as the whistles begin again. Cata Coll is then sloppy and gives the ball away, but Barcelona are able to recover. It has not been a pristine start from the holders.

Barcelona 0-0 Lyon

17:22 , Jamie Braidwood

20 mins: Barcelona look to settle and string some passes together in midfield for the first time. Rolfo is pushing very high from left back, with Mariona tucking inside.

Barcelona 0-0 Lyon

17:16 , Jamie Braidwood

15 mins: Barcelona survive a real scare! Bacha’s cross from the right is headed on at the front post and looks to skim the top of the bar! Barcelona then struggles to clear, as Renard’s shot deflects onto the post, but the flag may have gone up for a foul just before.

Good start from Lyon - the ‘away’ team.

Barcelona 0-0 Lyon

17:14 , Jamie Braidwood

13 mins: Dumornay is proving a real threat already for Lyon. She robs Bonmati of the ball outside the Barcelona area and feeds wide to Cascarino, but Bonmati recovers to put it behind for a corner.

There are whistles and jeers every time Lyon touch the ball.

Barcelona 0-0 Lyon

17:11 , Jamie Braidwood

10 mins: Another run from Hansen down the right! This time the winger goes wide, her cross goes all the way and Rolfo shoots wide at the back post!

Barcelona 0-0 Lyon

17:07 , Jamie Braidwood

5 mins: A lively start in Bilbao! Barcelona create their first chance as Caroline Graham Hansen flies forward down the right wing, before squaring to Salma Paralluelo. The forward’s shot is straight at Christine Endler.

4’ - Barcelona 0-0 Lyon

17:07 , Karl Matchett

Bright start by the French side, looking to take the game to their Spanish rivals. Lucy Bronze does well to clear one ball from inside the six-yard box in particular.

At the other end Paralluelo sees a chance fall her way on the stretch after a great run from Graham, but it’s a comfortable save.

Barcelona vs Lyon LIVE

17:06 , Karl Matchett

Underway in Bilbao!

The Women’s Champions League final has begun.

Barcelona vs Lyon LIVE: Women’s Champions League final latest updates

16:55 , Jamie Braidwood

How to watch the Women’s Champions League final

You can watch Barcelona face Lyon in the Women’s Champions League final, live and free on DAZN.

Barcelona vs Lyon LIVE: Women’s Champions League final latest updates

16:36 , Jamie Braidwood

Barcelona are aiming to win the quadruple for the first time in the club’s history, having already secured Liga F, the Copa de la Reina and the Spanish Super Cup.

Warm-ups are done and kick-off is fast approaching at the San Mames.

Barcelona vs Lyon LIVE: Women’s Champions League final latest updates

16:31 , Jamie Braidwood

Another eruption of noise from the Barcelona fans as the outfield players come out to warm up. The Barcelona fans are dominating the San Mames, filling every section apart from a couple of pockets of Lyon white behind the far goal.

And the ground isn’t even full yet. It’s going to be incredible at kick off.

Barcelona vs Lyon LIVE: Women’s Champions League final latest updates

16:26 , Jamie Braidwood

A remarkable welcome for the Barcelona bus at the San Mames, with fans lining the streets in Bilbao for their arrival.

Amazing!

16:20 , Jamie Braidwood

Why the best team in the world is only just getting started

“It’s not just winning,” Vicky Losada, the former Barcelona captain who led the Catalan side to their first Women’s Champions League title in 2021, tells The Independent. “For us it’s how you win, the way you play.” It was how Barcelona produced the core of the Spain team that won its first Women’s World Cup, a group of players who grew up together learning to play in Barcelona’s specific style. “They were teaching us the Barca way,” Losada says as she remembers the messages she grew up hearing at the training grounds. “Always enjoying the ball, asking for the ball.”

Spain, with its huge football culture, was always likely to be taken by the explosion of popularity of the women’s game, but an institution like Barcelona, with its world-record crowds at the Camp Nou, always had the capacity to take it further. There are now the first female boarders at La Masia, a tradition that goes back generations in the men’s team.

Spain are also world champions at Under-20 and Under-17s. Their Under-17s thrashed England just two weeks ago to become European champions, as well. “It feels like it’s the start of it,” Losada agrees. “There is more to come.”

Why the best team in the world is only just getting started

Barcelona vs Lyon LIVE: Women’s Champions League final latest updates

16:11 , Jamie Braidwood

Barcelona’s “home” advantage is clear already as the goalkeepers come out onto San Mames for their warm-ups. Huge cheers for Barcelona’s Cata Coll, while there are screeching whistles and jeers for Lyon’s Christine Endler.

Barcelona vs Lyon LIVE: Women’s Champions League final latest updates

16:06 , Jamie Braidwood

Some big team news here: Ada Hegerberg is only fit enough for the bench as Sonia Bompastor keeps the same line-up that beat PSG in the French league finale last weekend.

Barcelona drop Ona Battle to the bench with Fridolina Rolfo moving to left back. Mariona Caldentey starts in the front three and Alexia Putellas is on the bench.

Barcelona vs Lyon LIVE: Women’s Champions League final latest updates

16:04 , Jamie Braidwood

TEAM NEWS!

Lyon line-up to face Barcelona: Lyon: Endler; Carpenter, Renard, Gilles, Bacha; Van de Donk, Egurrola, Horan; Cascarino, Dumornay, Diani

Barcelona vs Lyon LIVE: Women’s Champions League final latest updates

15:55 , Jamie Braidwood

TEAM NEWS!

Barcelona line-up to face Lyon: Coll; Bronze, Paredes, Engen, Rolfo; Bonmati, Walsh, Patri; Graham Hansen, Paralluelo, Mariona

Barcelona vs Lyon LIVE: Women’s Champions League final latest updates

15:50 , Jamie Braidwood

We should have team news and the confirmed starting line-ups in Bilbao in the net 10 minutes or so...

Barcelona vs Lyon LIVE: Women’s Champions League final latest updates

15:40 , Jamie Braidwood

These can seem uncertain times for Lyon. Sonia Bompastor is expected to leave the club after the Champions League final, to replace Emma Hayes at Chelsea. The club’s ownership has changed, too, within the past year, with Jean-Michel Aulas, the president who bankrolled so much of Lyon’s dominance in France and Europe, stepping down. Lyon’s women’s team is now in the hands of Michele Kang, the owner of Washington Spirit in the US.

The move was the first step of Kang’s plans to implement a multi-club ownership model. Lyon would remain at the forefront of that in Europe, but it remains a sizable shift. “She has a clear vision of the new project,” said Bompastor, only looking ahead to Saturday night at the San Mames amid questions over her own future. “She is a very ambitious woman. It matches the club.”

Lyon’s future may be brighter given they have Melchie Dumornay, the 20-year-old who has the talent to the be the star of the final.

Why the Women’s Champions League final is not what you might think

Barcelona vs Lyon LIVE: Women’s Champions League final latest updates

15:37 , Jamie Braidwood

Ada Hegerberg can become the first player to score in five Women’s Champions League finals today.

Barcelona vs Lyon LIVE: Women’s Champions League final latest updates

15:14 , Jamie Braidwood

It’s basically a home final for Barcelona in Bilbao. Thousands have made the journey to the north of Spain and the streets have been full of blue and red all morning.

Great scenes at the fan park this afternoon, as well as ahead of the team bus arriving at the San Mames. Barcelona are expecting 80 per cent of the stadium to be supporting them against Lyon.

“I’m so proud to be part of this club,” Aitana Bonmati said. “ With this great fanbase. Whether we play at Camp Nou, Montjuïc or at our Johan Cruyff stadium they’re always our twelfth player!”

Barcelona vs Lyon LIVE: Women’s Champions League final latest updates

15:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Lionesses right back Lucy Bronze is aiming to win her fifth Champions League title today, and second with Barcelona, against her former team Lyon.

Bronze joined Lyon in 2017 and won the Champions League in her first season there, adding two more in 2019 and 2020 as part of the dominant side.

After returning to England with Manchester City in 2020, Bronze joined Barcelonat two years later and was part of the side that defeated Wolfsburg in last season’s final.

The 32-year-old became the first English player to win the Women’s Champions League with two different clubs, while Barcelona team-mate Keira Walsh is aming to win her second today.

Barcelona vs Lyon LIVE: Women’s Champions League final latest updates

14:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Barcelona have never beaten Lyon, in four attempts. When asked how Barcelona had changed since their last meeting, in the 2022 final in Turin, the Lyon manager Sonia Bompastor suggested the holders have made conscious efforts to change their training routines and alter their recruitment plans with the thought of beating Lyon in mind. “Turin impacted them,” Bonstapor said. Lyon believe Jonatan Giraldez’s side have been building up to this moment.

Barcelona themselves are taking pride in much they have changed in the two years since Turin. They have come through difficult moments in the Champions League since they were beaten by Lyon, none more so than when they were two goals down in last season’s final against Wolfsburg.

Barcelona vs Lyon LIVE: Women’s Champions League final latest updates

14:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Lyon captain Wendie Renard, an eight-time Champions League winner.

“Barcelona have really evolved. They have world-class players and they like to dominate. But we have our own strengths, we know our qualities and we have evolved together over many seasons. We know our opponents very well and we are ready to give everything, though it will be difficult.

“In the last ten years we have shown that we have a great team and a lot of determination. Winning as many titles as possible is what motivates us every day.”

“We have common goals, to win as many matches and trophies as possible. We are calm, determined, and we know why we are here. We make many individual and collective sacrifices. When we win trophies, it’s normal to feel a lot of joy.”

Barcelona vs Lyon LIVE: Women’s Champions League final latest updates

13:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Barcelona are playing in a fourth Champions League final in a row while Lyon have not lost a Champions League final since 2013.

23/24: Barcelona vs Lyon

22/23: Barcelona 3-2 Wolfsburg

21/22: Lyon 3-1 Barcelona

20/21: Barcelona 4-0 Chelsea

19/20: Lyon 3-1 Wolfsburg

18/19: Lyon 4-1 Barcelona

17/18: Lyon 4-1 Wolfsburg

16/17: Lyon 0-0 PSG* Lyon won on penalties

15/16: Lyon 1-1 Wolfsburg* Lyon won on penalties

Barcelona vs Lyon LIVE: Women’s Champions League final latest updates

13:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Jonatan Giraldez, who is leaving Barcelona to join Washington Spirit after the Champions League final:

“We cannot wait for the final. We’ve had a fantastic season, playing great football, and the recent weeks have seen us on a great dynamic, with almost everyone available. We already have three trophies won so to have the chance to add another Champions League in this fantastic stadium means we can try to show we are still the best team in Europe.

“We live to win at Barcelona. That’s what we are obliged to do. We’ve done everything we can, between us, to prepare well to win this final.

“It’ll be a great final because I have no doubt at all that these are the two best teams in the world right now. If fans can’t be in the stadium tomorrow then they should definitely watch it on TV.”

Barcelona vs Lyon LIVE: Women’s Champions League final latest updates

12:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Thousands are expected to make the journey north west from Barcelona to Bilbao, from Catalonia to the Basque region. As the Women’s Champions League reaches its conclusion at San Mames, it could feel like a home final for Barcelona, or as close to it without it being held in the Camp Nou itself.

That is fitting, perhaps, given how much of Barcelona’s success is home-grown and the influence its iconic La Masia academy may have over this European showpiece against Lyon.

For the past decade, Lyon have been the superpower of women’s football in Europe, its star-studded squads lifting the Women’s Champions League a record eight times between 2011 and 2022.

Barcelona have never beaten Lyon, losing Champions League finals to the French side in 2019 and 2022, but they now stand on becoming the new undisputed force in the women’s club game, unbeaten in Spain this season and going for back-to-back Champions Leagues. For that, Barcelona have their own identity to thank: it runs through its past, present and future.

Why the best team in the world is only just getting started

Barcelona vs Lyon LIVE: Women’s Champions League final latest updates

12:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Aitana Bonmati ahead of the Women’s Champions League final: “We’ve gone behind in finals and overcome them and that’s true about this season’s semi-final against Chelsea. We have learned from all that. But let’s be honest - it’s much better not to concede early or to go behind! However, we really do have a winning mentality in this squad.

“I love to talk about winner’s mentality because I think we have it and I think we use it well. But I don’t want to talk about past defeats against Lyon. I have such confidence in us, I know what we are capable of and we’ll go out against them showing that mentality like we would against any rival.

“Since the first final we played, in Budapest, we have grown a lot, we aren’t the same team we were back then at all. I would say that we didn’t have any kind of experience, and physically, we were far off the big teams. Now, we are probably one of the teams to beat out of anyone. And that’s because of the amazing trajectory we’ve had in recent years.”

Barcelona vs Lyon LIVE: Women’s Champions League final latest updates

11:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Aitana Bonmati should be revered for her unquestionable footballing talent, but her desire to advocate for the issues that transcend sport truly sets her apart.

No male winner of the Ballon d’Or, such as Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, has ever had to take a stand on human rights, player welfare, or the wider issues in the game. But Bonmati has chosen to use her platform and role-model status to speak out and to try and change the future of women’s football.

In 2023, Bonmati was named Uefa women’s player of the year, also winning the Ballon d’Or and the Fifa award for best women’s player: a clean sweep of individual achievements. She was also part of the Barcelona side that won the Uefa Women’s Champions League, and the Spain team that lifted the World Cup.

How Aitana Bonmati is changing the game on and off the pitch

Barcelona vs Lyon LIVE: Women’s Champions League final latest updates

11:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Sonia Bompastor ahead of the Women’s Champions League final: ”When I took over this team, I had very little experience as a coach. I have grown. Playing a Champions League final, I had done it as a player, and the preparation is pretty much the same.

“We are a team that has won a lot in the past. But we remain really ambitious. For me we are the best team in the world and will continue to be no matter what happens tomorrow. I trust my players; I know there is all the individual and collective talent needed to achieve this goal.”

Barcelona vs Lyon LIVE: Women’s Champions League final latest updates

10:30 , Jamie Braidwood

If Emma Hayes had done a Jurgen Klopp, perhaps the build-up to this weekend’s Women’s Champions League final would have been a bit different, but not by much.

During the Liverpool manager’s farewell to Anfield, Klopp grabbed the microphone and chanted the name of his successor, Arne Slot, before the Dutchman had been officially confirmed by the club. Hayes and Chelsea could not afford to do the same, after winning a fifth Women’s Super League title in a row at Old Trafford, but if she had, it wouldn’t have been too much a surprise to hear who would be replacing her at Stamford Bridge.

Sonia Bompastor and Lyon, may be grateful for that, though, even if Bompastor’s future remains the worst-kept secret in Bilbao ahead of the Champions League final at San Mames. Chelsea did not want to disrupt the French club’s preparations before facing holders Barcelona but Bompastor is certain to depart, regardless of whether Lyon regain their European crown. After 12 years of Hayes, Bompastor is set to be confirmed as Chelsea’s next manager after the weekend.

Sonia Bompastor and the worst-kept secret at the Women’s Champions League final

Barcelona vs Lyon LIVE: Women’s Champions League final latest updates

09:50 , Jamie Braidwood

Former Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg is expected to play for Lyon in Saturday’s Women’s Champions League final against Barcelona after recovering from an injury.

The 28-year-old Norwegian forward missed the semifinals against Paris Saint-Germain because of the injury but may play at San Mames Stadium, Lyon coach Sonia Bompastor said.

“Ada has resumed normal team training,” Bompastor said. “She could be available tomorrow. Everyone knows Ada’s talent, her quality as a player. Her experience is invaluable, and with the right mentality, anything is possible for Ada.”

BBarcelona vs Lyon LIVE: Women’s Champions League final latest updates

09:25 , Jamie Braidwood

There was a noticeable reaction to the question. Changing of the guard? In the Women’s Champions League final? Not for Lyon. The French side are proud to point out that when it comes to European honours, no one has more than them. Even if Barcelona defeat them to win their third Champions League in four years, Lyon are adamant that they will not be replaced as the major force of women’s football in Europe.

The final at Sam Mames is a meeting of Europe’s two best clubs, everyone can agree on that at least. Barcelona are the holders and Lyon are the eight-time champions. Yet, with Barcelona eyeing revenge and another statement victory, one that would stand with the significance of their first Champions League triumph in 2019, it feels as if there if pressure on Lyon to show they are not done yet.

Women’s Champions League final preview from Bilbao

Why the Women’s Champions League final is not what you might think

Barcelona vs Lyon LIVE: Women’s Champions League final latest updates

09:05 , Jamie Braidwood

Predicted line-ups

Barcelona: Coll; Bronze, Paredes, Engen, Batlle; Bonmati, Walsh, Patri; Graham Hansen, Paralluelo, Rolfo

Lyon: Endler; Carpenter, Renard, Gilles, Bacha; Van de Donk, Egurrola, Horan; Cascarino, Dumornay, Diani

Barcelona vs Lyon LIVE: Women’s Champions League final latest updates

09:04 , Jamie Braidwood

Lyon team news

Lyon have more injury problems than Barca, with Eugenie Le Sommer and Sara Dabritz notable absentees. Ada Hegerberg returned from injury not long ago and will be looking to start, but Lyon have an array of attacking options. The 20-year-old Melchie Dumornay has shone this season, while Kadidiatou Diani and Delphine Cascarino represent a formidable front line. Wendie Renard and Lindsey Horan bring the experience of major finals.

Barcelona vs Lyon LIVE: Women’s Champions League final latest updates

09:03 , Jamie Braidwood

Barcelona team news

Barcelona remain without centre-back Mapi Leon, who is a long-term injury absentee. As always, head coach Jonatan Giraldez has plenty of selection dilemmas and may make changes from last weekend’s 8-0 victory against Real Sociedad in the Copa de la Reina final. Fridolina Rolfo and Keira Walsh should return, perhaps for Claudia Pina and Lucy Bronze. Alexia Putellas signed a new contract at Barcelona this week but may start on the bench.

Barcelona vs Lyon LIVE: Women’s Champions League final latest updates

09:02 , Jamie Braidwood

When is the Women’s Champions League final?

Barcelona vs Lyon will kick off at 5pm BST (UK time) at San Mames Stadium, Bilbao.

How can I watch it?

Watch Barcelona face Lyon in the Women’s Champions League final, live and free on DAZN

Follow live updates from the Women’s Champions League final in Bilbao as Barcelona face Lyon

09:01 , Jamie Braidwood

Barcelona face Lyon in the Women’s Champions League final as the holders take on the record eight-time winners in Bilbao.

French side Lyon have been the powerhouse of women’s football in Europe over the last decade but their supremacy is under threat.

Barcelona have never beaten Lyon, losing in Champions League finals to them in 2019 and 2022, but they are going for back-to-back titles.

It is set to be the final match for both head coaches, with Jonatan Giraldez departing Barcelona and Lyon’s Sonia Bompastor set to replace Emma Hayes at Chelsea.

And the best players in the world will be on display at the San Mames, with Barcelona led by Aitana Bonmati and Ada Hegerberg looking to fire Lyon to a ninth Women’s Champions League.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the Women’s Champions League final.

How to watch Barcelona vs Lyon in the Women’s Champions League final

Good morning!

09:00 , Jamie Braidwood

The Women’s Champions League final puts the holders Barcelona against the record eight-time winners Lyon as Bilbao stages a clash of Europe’s best.

Barcelona have never beaten Lyon in a competitive fixture but have lost two finals against them, in 2019 and 2022. The Catalan club reclaimed their European crown last season, however, after coming from two goals down to beat Wolfsburg. After edging Chelsea in the semi-finals, finally defeating Lyon would underline Barcelona’s status as the best in the world, with their stylish football by star player and Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati.

Lyon, however, will be out to show that they remain the leading powerhouse in Europe. No club comes close to Lyon’s eight titles, with coach Sonia Bompastor already creating history in 2022 by becoming the first woman to win the Champions League as both a player and a manager. Bompastor, who is expected to replace Emma Hayes at Chelsea after the final, also has a squad of world class talent as her disposal, setting up what should be one of the games of the season.

Follow live updates and build-up from the Women’s Champions League final in Bilbao as Barcelona face Lyon in today’s live blog