Barcelona clinched a spot in their sixth consecutive Women’s Champions League final after defeating Bayern Munich 4-2 in the semi-final second leg at the Nou Camp. The victory, witnessed by a capacity crowd of over 60,000, secures a 5-3 aggregate win and sets up a final against Lyon for the fourth time in seven years.
Following a 1-1 draw in the opening leg, the return match saw a rapid first half featuring three goals in nine minutes. Salma Paralluelo opened the scoring by converting a Caroline Graham Hansen cross, though Bayern quickly responded through Linda Dallman, who finished a counter-attack led by Pernille Harder. Barcelona regained the lead before the break when captain Alexia Putellas capitalised on a failed clearance from Vanessa Gilles.
The Spanish side extended their advantage in the second half. Ewa Pajor headed home a Paralluelo cross before Putellas added her second with an acrobatic volley following a set-piece. While Pernille Harder managed a late consolation goal for the visitors, Bayern were unable to close the gap further. A late effort from Arianna Caruso was tipped onto the bar by goalkeeper Catalina Coll, and a second stoppage-time goal from Harder was overturned due to a foul.
The match also marked the return of Aitana Bonmati. The three-time Ballon d’Or winner made her first appearance as a second-half substitute since suffering a broken leg in November.
“I’m so happy to be back. We make it to another final,” Bonmati told ESPN. “Our team is having an amazing season. Another Champions League final. Incredible team. In my career, I’ve had very special moments, but today is one of the most special moments. Back from a long injury in front of 60,000 people and beating Bayern is special.”
Head coach Pere Romeu’s decision to start Paralluelo proved decisive. The 22-year-old was instrumental in three of Barcelona’s goals, scoring the first and providing the deliveries that led to the strikes from Putellas and Pajor.
“I really like Paralluelo – she’s got a lot about her,” former England striker Leanne Sanderson told ESPN. “She hasn’t just got pace. She can score goals as well. She took her chance today.”
Barcelona now move on to the final, where Paralluelo will aim to secure her third Champions League title.