Women’s Champions League final clash ushers new era
This year’s final in Gothenburg between Chelsea and Barca already marks significant turning point
GOTHENBURG, Sweden: The Women’s Champions League officially moves into a new era next season with the overdue introduction of a group stage, but this year’s final in Gothenburg on Sunday between Chelsea and Barcelona already marks a significant turning point.
After winning the competition in each of the last five years, and seven times in the last decade, Lyon are conspicuous by their absence.
There has been a French or German Champions League winner in each of the 13 years, since Arsenal lifted the trophy in 2007, but this time will be different. Lyon lost in the quarter-finals to Paris Saint-Germain, themselves beaten in the last four by Barcelona, the Spanish champions.
German hopes ended when Bayern Munich lost in the semi-finals to Chelsea, who have since gone on to win the English Women’s Super League (WSL) and are eyeing European glory to go with it.
“It’s our time. There’s so many players in that dressing room that can win the football match for us. We’ve seen it in recent weeks, the amount of players that have popped up all over the pitch to determine the outcome. I think my message will be we’ve demonstrated we’re the best team in England...now to become the best team in Europe you have to show another side again,” Chelsea boss Emma Hayes said before the squad jetted out to Sweden on Friday.
Whatever happens on Sunday behind closed doors at the Gamla Ullevi, Chelsea and Barcelona will both be in the new 16-team Champions League group stage next season.
An expanded competition is finally catching up with the men’s version, with more clubs from the leading countries playing more games, and greater financial rewards as a result.