Barcelona produced a stunning second-half display to rout Lyon 4-0 and claim their fourth Women's Champions League title in Oslo on Saturday. Ewa Pajor and Salma Paralluelo both scored second-half braces as the Spanish side overcame a tough first-half challenge from the French powerhouse.
First Half: Lyon Dominate but Fail to Score
Lyon, the most successful team in the competition's history with eight titles, controlled the first half and had a goal disallowed. Lindsey Heaps put the ball in the net after 14 minutes when goalkeeper Cata Coll spilled Wendie Renard's header from a free kick, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review. Undeterred, Lyon continued to dictate the pace, leaving Barcelona, who usually enjoy the lion's share of possession, chasing the ball. The French side tried to exploit space behind the Barcelona defence but struggled to get shots on target.
Second Half: Barcelona's Masterclass
Barcelona broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Patri Guijarro won the ball deep in her own half and surged forward before picking out Pajor on the right, who finished clinically from a tight angle. Pajor added her second 14 minutes later as the Lyon defence switched off, leaving her alone in front of goal. The 29-year-old Polish striker blasted a pass from Esmee Brugts into the net from close range to double Barcelona's lead.
That strike took the wind out of Lyon's sails, and there was little sign of the side that bossed possession in the first half as they struggled to mount a comeback. Paralluelo put the game beyond doubt by blasting a superb third goal from distance in the 90th minute before adding another on the break three minutes later to cap a brilliant second-half display.
The travelling Barcelona fans burst into chants of "Campeones!" long before the final whistle, and the players celebrated with them after securing the trophy.
