May 21, (THEWILL) – Lyon lifted the 2021/2022 UEFA Women’s Champions League trophy after beating defending champions Barcelona Femini, thanks to a fierce first-half performance.
The victory meant that the impressive French side set a new European record of clocking their eighth Champions League triumph. It is also their sixth in the last seven seasons.
They did their winning in style, taking the game to the holders from the very first whistle. Amandine Henry’s incredible 30-yard drive ricocheted in off the post in the sixth minute, giving Sandra Panos no chance in the Barca goal.
Striker Ada Hegerberg increased the lead by heading home Selma Bacha’s superb cross from the left side, and the Norwegian then provided the third just after the half-hour mark when she crossed low for Catarina Macario to slam home at the second attempt from close range.
Alexia Putellas’ smart volley from Caroline Graham Hansen’s cross gave the defending champions a lifeline four minutes before halftime. Suddenly, it seemed the Catalan ladies were going to find a way back with the second half promising fireworks.
However, Barca could not get any closer to levelling the score, despite Patricia Guijarro’s remarkable shot from inside the centre circle that beat goalkeeper Christiane Endler but came back off the crossbar. Barcelona never gave up nor were they ever at their best and the title returned to Lyon.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
