Coach ahead of women’s Champions League final declares Lyon as ‘the best in the world’

On the eve of the Women’s Champions League final, Lyon’s French coach Sonia Bompastor led a training session and expressed her confidence in her team’s abilities. Bompastor declared Lyon as “the best team in the world” in terms of success and emphasized that this statement would hold true even if Barcelona were to defeat them in the final.

Lyon, who have won the Champions League eight times, are facing a challenge from current holders Barcelona, who have reached four finals in five years. Despite the threat posed by Barcelona, Lyon have never lost to them in four previous encounters, including the 2019 and 2022 finals. Bompastor highlighted the importance of the upcoming game and expressed her determination to win, trusting her players to deliver a strong performance.

Bompastor provided updates on her team’s fitness, confirming that striker Ada Hegerberg is fit to play after recovering from injury. She praised Hegerberg’s qualities and experience, expressing confidence in her ability to make an impact in the final. While defender Griedge Mbock Bathy is available after injury, striker Eugenie Le Sommer will be sidelined for the final.

Lyon captain Wendie Renard downplayed talk of rivalry against Barcelona, emphasizing the team’s focus on achieving their collective objectives. Renard, who has played in each of Lyon’s 10 final appearances, acknowledged Barcelona’s evolution as a strong team but emphasized Lyon’s own strengths and qualities. She highlighted the team’s cohesion and determination, underscoring their readiness for the challenge posed by Barcelona in the final.