Barcelona's Champions League win felt like a shift in power — but Lyon insist they will be back

As captain Wendie Renard raises the Champions League trophy, golden glitter rains down. Lyon, the eight-time conquers of Europe, including five consecutive titles from 2016 to 2020, experienced a new sensation on Saturday. They stood aside as Barcelona celebrated their landmark 2-0 victory. It was Lyon’s first loss to Barcelona and first defeat in a European final since 2014. Barcelona now has three Champions League titles in five years, surpassing Lyon’s two, and has made four consecutive finals. Barcelona’s win signifies a potential shift in power. Despite Barcelona’s dominance in the match, Lyon made it challenging for them to secure victory. The teams were closely matched in the first half, with both having chances and making goal-line clearances. However, Barcelona’s clinical performance and finishing secured their triumph. While Lyon has been the team to beat, Barcelona is now solidifying their position at the top. Lyon’s manager, Sonia Bompastor, emphasized their track record regardless of the Champions League result, but Barcelona’s ascendancy cannot be ignored. Looking ahead, Lyon and other teams will need to close the gap to compete with Barcelona’s rising dominance. Lyon is undergoing changes, with a new owner and coach bringing ambition and clear visions. The new owner has already increased the specialized training staff to support Lyon’s success. The desire to win remains strong for Lyon, and their mentality will not change. The larger question is whether both clubs can retain their star players as the attraction of more competitive leagues like England and the United States grows. The women’s game should expand beyond Lyon and Barcelona, but for now, the Catalan giants reign.