For the past four years, OL Lyonnes—formerly known as OL féminin—has been absent from the top of the UEFA Women’s Champions League podium. As the most decorated club in the competition’s history with eight titles, the French side has long been synonymous with dominance in women’s football. Yet, over the last six seasons, a formidable obstacle has emerged: FC Barcelona, whose six consecutive finals (excluding the COVID-interrupted year) have yielded three triumphs (2021, 2023, 2024). The rivalry has now reached a pivotal chapter, with the two giants set to clash once more this Saturday, May 23, at 6 PM in Oslo, Norway.
OL Lyonnes chases quadruple glory in Champions League showdown
Under the guidance of former Barcelona coach Jonatan Giráldez, OL Lyonnes enters this final with ambitions far beyond just reclaiming Europe’s top prize. Following victories in the Coupe de la Ligue (March 14) and Coupe de France (May 10), the team eyes an unprecedented quadruple, adding both the Champions League and the Arkema Première Ligue (May 29 against Paris FC) to their cabinet.
“We set out to reach four finals—and we’ve done it. Now, we want all four trophies. This is about sending a message across Europe: we’re back, stronger, and ready to prove ourselves. Above all, we want to make France proud,” declares Selma Bacha, the 25-year-old full-back, with unwavering conviction.
The sentiment resonates with captain Wendie Renard, whose 41 trophies with OL Lyonnes make her the club’s most decorated player. “We’re crafting history here, something extraordinary. But none of it will matter if we don’t win—history only remembers the victors.”
“We have a squad brimming with talent, and winning trophies is what defines us,” adds Melchie Dumornay, the 22-year-old sensation who recently claimed back-to-back Player of the Season awards. “This final is about showing our character, proving we’ve evolved since our last clash with Barcelona—and delivering a performance that silences any doubts.”
“From the outside, it may have looked easy when we dominated, reflects Ada Hegerberg, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, but it never was. It’s remarkable we’re back in another final, especially after reshaping the team and losing so many legends. I’ve always believed OL Lyonnes is the best club to win titles—now we must prove it again.”
Oslo’s stage: a sentimental return for Hegerberg and Engen
Beyond the statistics, this final carries personal significance for two key figures. Norwegian internationals Ada Hegerberg and Ingrid Engen, both with deep roots at OL Lyonnes, see Oslo as the perfect backdrop to etch their names into football history.
“I can’t wait to bring my team to Norway—to showcase players like Wendie Renard, one of the greatest in women’s football. I want to display that class, that excellence, in my home country,” Hegerberg enthuses, emphasizing her pride in representing the club on home soil.
Ingrid Engen, who joined Lyon from Barcelona in summer 2025, echoes the sentiment: “Playing in Norway feels different. Ada and I carried a heavy sense of responsibility, knowing how much this moment means—not just for us, but for the fans who’ve supported us through our international careers.”
For supporters unable to travel to Norway, the match will be broadcast live on the Place des Terreaux, where OL Lyonnes will unveil the club’s first-ever dedicated fan zone, complete with a giant screen for an electrifying atmosphere.
