Keira Walsh and Lucy Bronze triumphed as Barcelona produced a sensational comeback to win the Women's Champions League final with a 3-2 triumph over Wolfsburg.
The Lionesses' stars both started for the Spanish Champions in Eindhoven, with Bronze making her first start since April, and helped their side to a dramatic victory after trailing at half-time. Things looked beak for the pair until Patricia Guijarro scored two goals in quick succession just after the break, before Fridolina Rolfo grabbed a dramatic winner.
Wolfsburg, winners in 2013 and 2014, stunned the favourites with an early goal from Ewa Pajor, her rocket too strong for Sandra Panos in the Barcelona goal, after an error from Bronze. And the Germans firmly capitalised on the shellshocked Catalans when Germany forward Alexandra Popp headed home Pajor’s fine cross before half-time.
But Barcelona produced a stunning comeback, with Guijarro scoring twice in three minutes to set PSV Stadium alight. Rolfo then completed the turnaround after a mix-up at the back from Wolfsburg allowed her to fire home from close range. The win is Bronze's fourth Champions League triumph, but her first since her move to Spain last summer, while Walsh picks up her maiden European Cup winners' medal.
With 33,174 inside the PSV Stadium, the game also drew a record attendance for a Women's Champions League final and the highest crowd in history for a women's game in the Netherlands.
Here's the big talking points from the final in Eindhoven.
Bronze error allows Wolfsburg dream start
Although England fans would have been delighted to see Lucy Bronze return to the Barcelona starting line-up, the former Lyon and Man City full-back had a nightmare start in Eindhoven. Only three minutes in she made a costly error, giving up possession too easily to Wolfsburg's Ewa Pajor.
The tournament top scorer didn't need an second invitation to shoot at goal and fired superbly beyond Sandra Panos, who could only a hand on it. It gave the German side their ideal start and ensured that this final was no forgone conclusion.
When Bronze treaded on a loose pass and nearly lost her footing 15 minutes later, it was fair to say she looking 'ring-rusty'. But the England star grew into the game and completed a full 90 minutes. An impressive feat for someone who has not played for over a month.
Barcelona produce superb fightback
After an appalling Barcelona first-half led to a shock defeat in this fixture last year against Lyon, the Catalonians were desperate to reclaim their European crown. Chelsea had gone close to knocking them out in the last four, but when they were 2-0 at the interval it was the first time all season there seemed a genuine possibility they wouldn't leave the Netherlands as champions.
But Patricia Guijarro took matters into her own hands with a superb double inside five minutes after the break. Her second, a superb header from close range, sending the Catalan support inside the stadium crazy.
From that moment on it felt like Barca's final to lose. Only one team in history had previously come from two down to win a Women's Champions League final - Wolfsburg in 2014 - but
Walsh helps run the show in midfield
Only days after she was named in the England World Cup squad, Keira Walsh gave a performance that reminded everyone just why she is considered one of the finest midfielders on the plant. Walsh's touch, passing and tracking was flawless throughout.
Considering the rest of the Catalans' midfield looked off the boil in the first half, this was no mean feat. 'Sat Nav', as she is known by some England teammates brought control and calm to the centre of the pitch at a time when her side were struggling.
Walsh was involved in a flowing Barca move down the right channel that helped create Guijarro's first goal, which sparked the Catalan comeback. She arguably looks an even better players now, than the one who dominated the engine room throughout last summer as the Lionesses won the Euros. She was eventually brought off, but don't underestimate the impact the former City star had on this final.
Wiegman will still be wary of Bronze's fitness
Bronze hadn't featured for Barcelona before today's final since the first leg of the semi-final. The England full-back hobbled off during a win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and underwent keyhole surgery in the days that followed. But she was named in the starting XI by Barcelona coach Jonatan Giráldez for the final and despite her early error did give an all action display.
Only minutes after the Germans scored, Bronze was charging down the right looking to get into the penalty area and atone for her mistake. One trademark run just before half-time nearly got the Catalans back in the contest, but Merle Frohms saved superbly at the feet of Salma Paralluelo.
Sarina Wiegman was in Eindhoven, presenting the trophy to the capacity crowd before the kick-off. The England boss will have been delighted Bronze made it. But going into the World Cup with only one full game under her belt since surgery, means she is still something of an injury doubt.
Foster gets the big calls right
Welsh referee Cheryl Foster took charge of the showpiece fixture and delivered an officiating performance of the highest level. In a week where we saw UK referee Antony Taylor receive a disgusting level of abuse after another UEFA European final, the spotlight has been squarely on how coaches and fans treat officials.
Foster didn't let that phase her an inch, with her decision making first class. Her and fourth official Rebecca Welch also ensured the game flowed nicely and wasn't stifled by interruptions. Right at the end as the game went into seven minutes of injury time, Wolfsburg appealed for a penalty.
It was hopeful shout at best and rightly waved away by Foster. She kept her cool when it mattered most and was a credit to British referees.
NEW! Our Year: European Champions 2022 - The Official England Winners Book
With a foreword by England manager Sarina Wiegman, this is the only official book of the historic triumph, reliving every kick of a thrilling tournament and telling the stories of the players who made it all happen.
Order from https://reachsportshop.com/book/our-year-european-champion-2022/
