OL Lyonnes head coach Jonatan Giráldez will challenge his former team Barcelona in the UEFA Women's Champions League final in Oslo, Norway, on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
Giráldez, who previously guided the Spanish club to two European titles, aims to break Lyonnes' four-season trophy drought against a Barcelona side led by his former assistant, Pere Romeu.
The match features the top two squads in European women's football.
Barcelona maintains consistency in their line-up, while Lyonnes introduces winger Vicki Becho to replace the injured Kadidiatou Diani.
Players and Coaches Share Their Thoughts
Lyonnes defender Ingrid Engen expressed her enthusiasm about competing in the prestigious final, which takes place in her home country.
"A very special day for me but also for the whole team.
To be in a Champions League final is the highlight of your career, so I am here to enjoy," Engen told BBC Sport.
Engen noted that while game preparation is crucial, numerous unpredictable factors can influence the final outcome.
"When you are in a final you prepare as good as you can but a lot of things can move it one way or another.
I believe a lot in our plan of the game and right now we need to go out there and give everything we have," she said.
The defender remains determined to assist her squad despite the personal significance of playing a major final in Norway.
"Right now I am trying to focus on the game, we have a big job to do, but it's something I have been dreaming about, so I just want to help the team," Engen added.
Giráldez reflected on the unique nature of the matchup during a Friday press conference, acknowledging his history with the Catalan club.
"I feel privileged to face Barcelona as I'm grateful for the experience I had there and I wish them the best -- except tomorrow when we have to win," he told reporters.
The head coach highlighted the emotional and motivational value of participating in another European final.
"I feel privileged because I have the opportunity to be part of another Champions League final.
Doing this is the thing I enjoy the most and being in the final is emotional and motivational," Giráldez said.
Despite Barcelona's recent dominance in European finals, Giráldez expects a highly competitive fixture.
"Barcelona have taken the headlines in recent finals, but this is a very equal final," he said.
He added that the ultimate target for his squad remains securing the championship rather than simply participating.
"It is a final involving two rival teams with top levels in their squads, regardless of the history.
Our ambition is to win tomorrow," Giráldez stated.
Giráldez emphasized that the team maintains an aggressive mindset heading into the match.
"Reaching the final is really nothing, honestly. I think that would be dreaming small and reaching the final is not enough.
If we are here, it's because we have the ambition of winning tomorrow. There's no other word and no other message in the dressing room," he said.
Lyonnes forward Ada Hegerberg, who holds the competition scoring record with 69 goals, addressed the broader impact of hosting the final in Norway amidst online criticism regarding the 28,000 stadium capacity.
"Having this kind of game on Norwegian soil is so important for the younger generation, to inspire young girls and boys," Hegerberg said.
She believes that hosting high-profile events is essential for sustained development and investment in women's sports.
"Looking ahead, it's important to have an event like this to keep investing in our sport, so we can bring up a new generation, and they can perform in more arenas than we had the opportunity to perform in when we were younger," she added.
The veteran striker concluded by expressing respect for the opposition alongside belief in her team's tactical capabilities.
"It's such a joy to be here today and it's the two best teams in Europe in the final.
I hope we can put on a great show for the people who watch tomorrow. [Winning] would mean everything.
It's the 12th final for the club and could be our ninth trophy. We are humble in our approach but confident in our strengths," Hegerberg said.
