Barcelona wins women’s Champions League final against Wolfsburg
Barcelona overturned a 2-0 deficit to beat Wolfsburg 3-2 and win their second Women’s Champions League title on Saturday, June 3.
Wolfsburg took the lead after just 2 minutes and 57 seconds thanks to a stunning strike from Ewa Pajor. The Polish international won the ball on the edge of the box before unleashing a terrific effort which Sandra Panos couldn’t keep out.
Barcelona missed a glorious chance to make it 1-1 after 13 minutes when Irene Paredes popped up at the back post to fire a free header wide of the target.
The Spanish side continued to push forward and had Wolfsburg’s defence on the back foot for large periods in the first half.
But Wolfsburg made it 2-0 eight minutes before halftime. Goalscorer Pajor turned provider for the second when she whipped in a sensational ball into the box and Alexandra Popp was on hand to fire her header past Panos to put Wolfsburg in dreamland.
Barcelona came out of the blocks quickly in the second half and pulled a goal back after just three minutes. Caroline Graham Hansen got past her marker brilliantly before laying the ball off to Patricia Guijarro who rifled her effort beyond Merle Frohms.
The Catalan side scored their equalizer just two minutes later, Aitana Bonmati chopped inside before finding Guijarro who was there to score her second the afternoon.
Barcelona completed their comeback in the 70th minute after capitalizing on some poor defending from their German opponents. Wolfsburg struggled to get the ball clear resulting in a moment of pinball in the box and Fridolina Rolfo was there to fire her effort into the top corner.
It’s the second Women’s Champions League title for Barcelona after four appearances in the Champions League final. Wolfsburg are still on the hunt for their first UWCL title since 2014.
Nigeria’s Super Falcon star, Asisat Oshoala was unable to feature for Barcelona in the final after suffering a hamstring injury.
The 28-year-old Nigerian has been in fine form this season, scoring 26 times in all competitions, including five in the Champions League. Barca confirmed the news ahead of the game, with the striker injuring her left thigh.
The Champions League final concludes the season for both clubs, with many of the stars on show in this game now turning their attention to the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is less than 50 days out. Several players across both finalists will represent their national teams when the group stages kick off. The World Cup will begin on July 20 when co-hosts New Zealand face Norway and Australia welcome Ireland.
