Barcelona win Champions League after 2nd half comeback against Wolfsburg. The Wolves were 0-2 up at half-time, but a brace from Patri Guijarro and goal from Fridolina Rolfo secured Blaugrana’s second Women’s Champions League title.
Women’s Champions League, Final
Saturday, 3rd of June
FC BARCELONA – VFL WOLFSBURG 3-2 (0-2)
Goals: 3′ Ewa Pajor (VFL WOLFSBURG), 37′ Alexandra Popp (VFL WOLFSBURG), 48′ Patri Guijarro (FC BARCELONA), 50′ (FC BARCELONA), 70′ Fridolina Rolfo (FC BARCELONA)
Yellow cards: 22′ Kathrin Hendrich (VFL WOLFSBURG), 33′ Aitana Bonmati (FC BARCELONA), 77′ Sveindis Jonsdottir (VFL WOLFSBURG), 90+4′ Alexandra Popp (VFL WOLFSBURG), 90+4′ Irene Paredes (FC BARCELONA)
Despite the Catalan dominance with more shots and possession, it was Wolfsburg which proved more effective with Ewa Pajor (4′) and Alexandra Popp (37′) putting away the few chances created by the Germans.
The second half started with a reaction from Barça, with Patri Guijarro scoring brace in the 48th and 50th minute to bring Blaugrana back into the game. In the 70th minute, Fridolina Rolfö took advantage of poor Wolfsburg defending to complete the comeback.
In the remaining minutes, Barça came closer to a 4-2 victory than Wolfsburg did to a draw and the Catalans deservedly won this unprecedented final to equal the number of titles (2) won by the Germans.
🎉🎉 @FCBfemeni 🎉🎉#UWCL // #UWCLfinal pic.twitter.com/jBfJKVElDD
— UEFA Women’s Champions League (@UWCL) June 3, 2023
Jonathan Giráldez, Barcelona coach:
“It’s difficult to explain everything I feel. The last few weeks have been very special on a personal level, with the birth of my son who is eight days old and here. He must be the youngest person in the stadium. His mother insisted that he came. The result at half-time was unfair because we showed more football, more character and determination to turn it around. We were convinced that we could turn it around. I’m very proud for the players.”
Tommy Stroot, Wolfsburg coach:
“I congratulate Barcelona. At half-time we were leading 2-0, we were in the position we wanted. In the second half we expected Barcelona to attack fiercely, but we conceded a goal straight away and the second came naturally. It was a great match, a milestone for women’s football. Everyone saw a great game, with individual and collective quality.”