European women’s football’s biggest rivalry returns once again as FC Barcelona and OL Lyonnes meet in the 2025/26 UEFA Women’s Champions League final. The two dominant forces of the modern era will face off at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo on May 23 at 18:00 CEST in a blockbuster rematch of the 2019, 2022 and 2024 finals.
OL Lyonnes remain the most successful club in UWCL history with eight European titles and 12 final appearances, while Barcelona are aiming to continue their recent dominance after finally defeating the French giants in the 2024 final in Bilbao.
With Ballon d’Or winners, world-class attackers and elite tactical systems on both sides, the final once again promises to showcase the very highest level of women’s football.
This preview includes everything you need to know ahead of kick-off, including team news, predicted lineups, tactical analysis, previous meetings, prediction and where to watch the Women’s Champions League final live.
Match Preview Quick Info:
- 🗓 Date: May 23, 2026
- 🏟 Stadium: Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo
- ⏰ Kick-off: 18:00 CEST
- 📺 Watch: Disney+
FC Barcelona vs. OL Lyonnes Preview: Team News & Possible Lineups
FC Barcelona Women Football Team vs OL Lyonnes Women Football Team Lineups are derived from previous match days. We take into consideration how strong the opponents are, what players are injured and of course team news before the match.
Team News FC Barcelona
There are currently some question marks surrounding Caroline Graham Hansen and Irene Paredes ahead of the final. However, head coach Pere Romeu expects both players to recover in time for the match. Meanwhile, Laia Aleixandri remains unavailable due to a knee injury.
What the coach had to say
Pere Romeu spoke ahead of the Women’s Champions League final about Barcelona’s identity and preparation for the biggest match of the season.
“It’s very important that we are ourselves, because this way of playing has brought us close to the titles and to this final. We have to be ourselves, polish the details both in attack and in defense and, from there, be prepared for the possible scenarios.
“We are at a good moment, doing things well and showing good play. We arrive at a good moment, but a final is not just that.”
Team News OL Lyonnes
OL Lyonnes are expected to be withoutJoseph and Diani after both players suffered knee injuries. There are also doubts surrounding Micah (concussion), Junttila Nelhage (muscle), Benyahia (unspecified) ahead of the final.
What Wendie Renard had to say
OL Lyonnes captain Wendie Renard emphasized the importance of precision and discipline in finals of this level: “What we have learned throughout this run is that we need to perform at our very best if we want to win these kinds of matches. At this level, there’s no room for mistakes.
“Our goal is to go into the final and play our football, just like we’ve done all season. I don’t think we’re going to change the way we play. We’ll need to be strong, technically very sharp and clinical in both penalty areas.”
Tactical Preview
This final could ultimately be decided by which side controls transitions best. Barcelona will dominate possession as usual under Pere Romeu, using their positional structure to overload midfield areas through Aitana Bonmatí, Patri Guijarro and Alexia Putellas.
The Spanish side’s ability to sustain attacks and pin opponents deep remains arguably the strongest in world football. Their full-backs also play a crucial role in stretching defensive structures and creating space between the lines.
However, OL Lyonnes may represent the most physically dangerous opponent Barcelona can face. With players such as Ada Hegerberg, Tabitha Chawinga and Jule Brand, Lyonnes are devastating in transition and extremely aggressive when attacking open space.
One key tactical battle will likely involve Barcelona’s high defensive line against Lyonnes’ direct vertical attacks. If Barcelona lose possession centrally, Lyonnes possess the pace and movement to punish them immediately.
Set pieces could also become decisive. Lyonnes traditionally hold a major aerial advantage through Wendie Renard, while Barcelona rely more heavily on technical combinations and midfield control.
FC Barcelona vs. OL Lyonnes Lineups
Confirmed starting lineups will be published here as soon as both clubs officially announce their teams.
Predicted FC Barcelona Women Lineups (updated prior to the match)
FC Barcelona (4-3-3)
Coll
Batlle – Paredes – León – Brugts
Guijarro – Putellas – Bonmatí
Pina – Paralluelo – Pajor
Predicted OL Lyonnes Women Lineups (updated prior to the match)
OL Lyonnes (4-3-3)
Endler
Lawrence – Renard – Engen – Bacha
Dumornay – Heaps – Yohannes
Becho – Hegerberg – Brand
FC Barcelona vs. OL Lyonnes: Previous Meetings & Stats
FC Barcelona and OL Lyonnes have developed the defining rivalry of modern women’s football. The clubs first met in the UEFA Women’s Champions League in 2018 and have repeatedly faced each other in knockout rounds and finals ever since.
- 2019 UWCL Final: OL Lyonnes won 4-1
- 2022 UWCL Final: OL Lyonnes won 3-1
- 2024 UWCL Final: FC Barcelona won 2-0
The 2026 final will mark the fourth Women’s Champions League final meeting between the two clubs in just seven years.
Players to Watch
Aitana Bonmatí (FC Barcelona)
Aitana Bonmatí remains the heartbeat of Barcelona’s midfield and one of the most influential players in world football. Her ability to dictate tempo and escape pressure could define the final.
Ada Hegerberg (OL Lyonnes)
Ada Hegerberg brings elite movement, physicality and Champions League experience. Few strikers are more dangerous inside the penalty area during high-pressure matches.
Alexia Putellas (FC Barcelona)
Alexia Putellas continues to thrive in major moments and remains capable of producing decisive actions even in tightly controlled tactical games.
Wendie Renard (OL Lyonnes)
Wendie Renard remains one of the greatest defenders in women’s football history. Her leadership and aerial dominance could become crucial against Barcelona’s attacking rotations.
FC Barcelona vs. OL Lyonnes Prediction
Barcelona appear slightly better balanced heading into the final and arrive with momentum after another dominant European campaign. However, OL Lyonnes possess the experience, athleticism and transitional threat capable of hurting any opponent in world football.
If Barcelona can control possession and avoid dangerous turnovers centrally, they should have enough quality to edge the final.
Prediction: FC Barcelona 2-1 OL Lyonnes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Women’s Champions League Final FC Barcelona vs. OL Lyonnes?
You can watch the Women’s Champions League match FC Barcelona vs. OL Lyonnes on Disney+. If you’re considering to use a VPN service: We recommend NordVPN, it isn’t free, but it’s safe and cheaper than juggling multiple subscriptions that may still only cover part of the schedule.
When was the last meeting between FC Barcelona and OL Lyonnes?
The last meeting came in the 2024 UEFA Women’s Champions League final, when Barcelona defeated OL Lyonnes 2-0 in Bilbao.
What time is FC Barcelona vs OL Lyonnes kick-off?
Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00 CEST on May 23, 2026 at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo, Norway.
Which club has won the most UWCL titles?
OL Lyonnes are the most successful club in Women’s Champions League history with eight titles.
Who won the UEFA Women’s Champions League final in the 2024/25 season?
Arsenal won the 2024/25 UEFA Women’s Champions League after defeating FC Barcelona 1-0 in the final. The victory secured Arsenal’s second European title and marked a major achievement for the club under head coach Renée Slegers.
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