Yet it was Putellas who arrived just at the right moment to settle this Women's Champions League final, striking to earn Barcelona a famous first-ever victory over Lyon and a third European crown in four years. With it, Lyon's reign may be over, an era passed. Barcelona defended their Champions League and they did it their way, a 2-0 victory over the record eight-time champions sealed by their own.
There could not have been two more popular goalscorers than Putellas and Aitana Bonmati, Barcelona's two Ballon d'Or winners. As Putellas crashed a left-footed shot high into the net, it wasn't just the stand behind the goal that erupted; the San Mames shook. It had done so before, as Bonmati set Barcelona on their way, but there were nerves as Lyon plotted a route back. For so long in the Women's Champions League, Lyon were its inevitable force. Could they salvage something?
Not here, not tonight. Putellas had only been on the pitch for a matter of moments when she dangled a foot in the penalty area and broke up Lyon's desperate late attack. But then, Putellas was sprinting away - top whipped around her head - the frustration of all those months watching on suddenly washed away. Putellas had started on the bench, just as she did last season, and in Spain's World Cup final. This time, when she lifted the Champions League trophy, she could feel as if she had earned it.
This story is from the May 26, 2024 edition of The Independent.
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This story is from the May 26, 2024 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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