Barcelona beat Bayern to reach sixth consecutive Women's Champions League final

Key facts

• Barcelona defeated Bayern Munich 4-2 in the second leg to win the semi-final 5-3 on aggregate.
• Aitana Bonmatí returned from a syndesmotic fracture of her left fibula, entering in the 67th minute.
• Bonmatí underwent surgery on 2 December 2025 after suffering the injury on international duty.
• Alexia Putellas scored twice before being substituted, triggering an emotional response.
• 60,021 fans attended the match at Spotify Camp Nou.
• Barcelona will face Lyon in the final on 23 May in Oslo.
• Lyon already qualified for the final, seeking a record-extending ninth title.

Barcelona book final berth with dominant display

Barcelona secured their place in the UEFA Women's Champions League final for the sixth consecutive season after a 4-2 victory over Bayern Munich at Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday. The win gave the Catalan side a 5-3 aggregate triumph, setting up a showdown with Lyon on 23 May in Oslo. The result extends Barcelona's remarkable run of dominance in European competition, as they now aim for a fourth title that would draw them level with Eintracht Frankfurt. Lyon, meanwhile, seek a record-extending ninth championship.

Bonmatí returns after four-month injury layoff

The match also marked the long-awaited return of Aitana Bonmatí, the three-time Ballon d'Or winner who had been sidelined since late November 2025. The midfielder suffered a syndesmotic fracture of her left fibula while on international duty with Spain and underwent surgery on 2 December. Bonmatí entered the pitch in the 67th minute, replacing Clara Serrajordi with Barcelona already leading 4-1. The 60,021 fans in attendance gave her a rousing ovation. She came close to scoring a fifth goal as Bayern pulled one back to make it 4-2 and briefly threatened a comeback before a late goal was ruled out.

Putellas scores twice, breaks down in emotional farewell

Alexia Putellas scored twice to help seal the victory, but her substitution late in the match sparked an emotional reaction. The Barcelona star was seen in tears as she left the pitch, leading to speculation about a possible summer exit. After the game, Putellas explained her tears: 'How could I not get emotional, another full Camp Nou... It's been a week where I've been struggling a bit. And upon seeing the change, all the emotions I've been holding back all week came out. It's not bad to show them. I'm so proud to be a part of it and I feel so loved. It's been an overwhelming feeling of love, of achieving a goal we've had for so long. Happiness, above all.'

Teammates rally around Putellas as final looms

Patri Guijarro, another key midfielder, spoke about Putellas's tears, telling the media: 'I told her she's the best and that we would hold on, that we were going to make it to Oslo.' The comment underscored the team's unity as they prepare for the final. Bonmatí's return provides a significant boost for coach Pere Romeu's side, as they can now count on the Catalan midfielder for both the Copa de la Reina and the Champions League finals. Bonmatí has been central to Barcelona's recent success, and her availability adds depth to an already formidable squad.

Lyon await in Oslo for historic final

Barcelona will face Lyon in the final on 23 May in Oslo, a rematch of previous high-stakes encounters. Lyon, who have already qualified, are chasing a record-extending ninth title, while Barcelona aim for a fourth crown that would tie them with Eintracht Frankfurt. The final promises to be a clash of European powerhouses, with both teams boasting rich histories and star-studded lineups. Barcelona's ability to overcome Bayern despite a late scare highlights their resilience, but Lyon's experience in finals could prove decisive.

The bottom line

• Barcelona reached their sixth consecutive Champions League final by defeating Bayern Munich 5-3 on aggregate.
• Aitana Bonmatí returned from a four-month injury layoff, providing a major boost for the team.
• Alexia Putellas scored twice and was visibly emotional, hinting at a possible departure.
• The final against Lyon will take place on 23 May in Oslo, with both teams seeking historic milestones.
• Barcelona's depth and resilience were on display, but Lyon's record in finals poses a formidable challenge.