The constant evolution of the women’s game will take center stage on Saturday, when Barcelona take on Lyon in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final.
Lyon, Europe’s most accomplished side, with eight UWCL titles, return to the showcase match for the first time since 2022, when they thrashed Barcelona 3-1 en route to the podium. That game was a rare blip for Barcelona in recent years, who have emerged as the team to beat in Europe with two Champions League titles in three years. Reigning champions Barcelona have almost become the symbol of the rapid growth of the women’s game in Europe, investing solidly over the last several years to build a juggernaut stacked with World Cup winners.
For Lyon, the latest appearance in the UWCL final signals that they are keeping pace with the new world order in women’s soccer. Their historically heavy investment has not quit, especially after medtech millionaire Michele Kang took over the club a year ago as she builds a network of women’s soccer clubs that includes the NWSL’s Washington Spirit.
The circumstances set up for a final that’s sure to feature several of the world’s best players and serve as yet another showcase for women’s soccer. Here’s what you need to know before tuning in.
