For the past four years, OL Lyonnes has watched its dominance in the Women’s Champions League slip away. Once the undisputed queen of European football with eight titles, the club from Lyon has seen its rivals rise, particularly the relentless FC Barcelone. Over the last six seasons, the Spanish side has reached the final six times in a row, clinching three victories (2021, 2023, 2024). The two teams have already clashed twice in the final, with Lyon lifting the trophy in 2022 and Barcelona in 2024. Now, they meet again on May 23 at 6:00 PM in Oslo, a clash that promises to be nothing short of epic.
OL Lyonnes chases a historic quadruple with Champions League glory
Under the guidance of former Barcelona coach Jonatan Giráldez, OL Lyonnes is on the brink of rewriting history. Fresh off victories in the Coupe de la Ligue (March 14) and Coupe de France (May 10), the team is just two titles away from a historic quadruple: the Women’s Champions League and the Arkema Première Ligue (May 29 against Paris FC).
“We set out to reach four finals, and we’ve done it. Now, we need to win all four. We want to send a message to Europe—show them we’re back, stronger, and here to stay. And we want to make France proud,” declares Selma Bacha, the 25-year-old Lyon full-back, with unwavering conviction.
The sentiment is echoed by captain Wendie Renard, whose 41 trophies with Lyon make her the club’s most decorated player: “We’re making history, crafting something extraordinary. But it only counts if we win—history remembers only the winners.”
“We have a squad brimming with talent, and trophies are what define us,” adds Melchie Dumornay, the 22-year-old sensation who recently claimed back-to-back Player of the Season awards. “We’re eager to showcase our faces, prove we’ve grown, and outshine Barcelona after our last encounter.”
“At one point, it might have looked effortless from the outside,” reflects Ada Hegerberg, the Ballon d’Or winner who made history in 2018 as the first female player to claim the award. “But it never was. It’s remarkable we’re back in another final, especially after reshaping the squad and losing so many legends. I’ve always believed OL is the best club to win trophies.”
Oslo becomes a stage for Lyon’s Norwegian stars
The final in Oslo carries extra significance for two Lyon players: Hegerberg and Ingrid Engen, both Norwegian internationals. Their shared dream? To lift the trophy on home soil and inspire a new generation.
“I can’t wait to return to Norway with my team—to showcase players like Wendie Renard, one of the greatest in women’s football history. I want to display her class, her greatness, to my people,” Hegerberg shares, her voice charged with emotion.
“Playing in Norway feels special,” admits Engen, who swapped Barcelona for Lyon in the summer of 2025. “It’s been a heavy responsibility, Ada and I wanted this moment more than anything—to compete in the stadium we know so well with the national team.”
For Lyon supporters unable to make the trip, the match will be broadcast live on the Place des Terreaux, where the club’s first-ever fan zone will be set up with a giant screen for the occasion.