Monday, November 11, 2024

Women’s Champions League final: Barcelona beat Lyon to retain title

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Barcelona manager Giraldez’s final European match in charge, before he takes over American side Washington Spirit, did not disappoint and he currently has a 93% win rate, though there are still two league games for Barca to play.

His Barcelona career has been a hugely successful one – acting as assistant manager to former boss Lluis Cortes before taking over as the main man and guiding his side to back-to-back European titles.

This latest victory was the perfect send-off and marked the end of a dominant era for Barcelona as movement among some players, as well as the manager, could be on the cards this summer.

Speaking after the game, Giraldez said beating Lyon will go down as one of his most memoral victories as manager: “This is one of the best no doubt. It is a champions league final against a team you haven’t beaten before.

“I’m very glad that we won and I’m very happy with it being my last final. They said that the team’s performance would be down because of the news [of his departure]. We proved the contrary.”

In the opposition dugout, Lyon boss Bompastor is also set to be on the move and could be named Chelsea manager in the coming days.

“It’s not the right moment to talk about it,” she said afterwards.

“I’m really disappointed and that’s the main thing for me.”

During her time at Lyon, the French giants have upset Barcelona but they were beaten by the better side in Bilbao and did not have enough to claw their way back into the game when they fell behind.

This was Lyon’s 11th appearance in the final and they have lost just three of them. Defeat is an unfamiliar feeling and they were dejected as they picked up their runners-up medals.

“We have a great disappointment,” Bompastor added. “We have lost a final and it’s tough now. In these moments you have to recognise that Barcelona had a great match and deserved to be the winners, although it’s hard to accept it.

“I am disappointed for my players because we worked really hard and wanted to finish this season with a new title and a new Champions League.”

Referee: Rebecca Welch (Eng)

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