U.S. Women’s National Team captain Lindsey Horan had a chance to come away with the biggest prize in European club competition, but Lyon and she fell short as FC Barcelona claimed the title in the final played at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, on Saturday.
Barcelona 2-0 Lyon
Barcelona ended their European season on an ultimate high as they completed the quadruple following their shutout win over Lyon in the final of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Lindsey Horan started the game and went the distance for Les Fenottes, completing 85 percent of her passes, winning four duels, and making three key passes in the loss.
The first half would end scoreless but just barely as the Catalans had the best chance to open the scoring in the 27th minute. Horan lost control of the ball just outside Lyon’s box, allowing Patri Guijarro to pounce and dribble the ball into the area. The Spanish midfielder took a shot at goal, but it was blocked by goalkeeper Christiane Endler. However, the danger was not over as the ball ricocheted off Horan’s thigh towards the goal. Luckily, Selma Bacha was on the spot to clear it off the line.
The action would pick up in the second half and Horan had an excellent chance to redeem herself in the 49th minute when she somehow kept the ball alive following a long-range pass from Danielle van de Donk that ended up falling to Wendi Renard, but her shot went over the bar.
The game was just begging for a goal as it went past the hour mark and Barcelona responded in the 63rd minute when after some build-up play Mariona Caldentey sent the ball to Aitana Bonmanti charged toward the goal to cross the ball. However, it would take a deflection off Vanessa Gilles’ leg and end up in the back of the net.
Lyon pushed for the equalizer, but Barcelona put the game to bed in the 95th minute when Claudian Pina set up Alexia Putellas to steer the ball home.
A tough loss for Horan and Lyon, but the Division 1 Feminine champions will return to the Champions League next season to try to reclaim their crown.