UWCL final preview, prediction: Will Barcelona beat OL Lyonnes again?
ESPN
Last updated: May 21, 2026
The UEFA Women's Champions League final features a highly anticipated rematch between Barcelona and OL Lyonnes. This match is seen as crucial for both teams to definitively establish dominance in women's football, with varying perspectives on team motivations, tactical approaches, and key player performances.
- The UEFA Women's Champions League Final in Oslo pits eight-time winners OL Lyonnes against three-time winners Barcelona. This rematch follows Barcelona's 2-0 victory in the 2024 final.
- Barcelona aims to solidify their claim as the world's best by defeating OL Lyonnes again and securing a fourth European title, building on their 2021 and 2023 wins.
- OL Lyonnes manager Jonatan Giráldez, formerly of Barcelona, possesses intimate knowledge of his old club's tactics, potentially offering a significant advantage.
- Barcelona's key absentee is defender Laia Aleixandri, with fitness concerns for Caroline Graham Hansen and Aitana Bonmatí. OL Lyonnes will be without Kadidiatou Diani due to injury.
- Key players identified are Patri Guijarro for Barcelona, whose form is crucial for their overall performance, and Melchie Dumornay for OL Lyonnes, central to their attacking prowess and overall gameplan.
- A prediction favors OL Lyonnes with a 3-2 victory over Barcelona.
