Barca’s Champions League Heartbreaks of Europe for the second time in three years after they came from two goals down to beat Wolfsburg 3-2 on Saturday. It was a win that started with a loss five years ago, though, when they suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the quarterfinals of the 2017-18 Champions League. That defeat, and the ones that followed in the next two seasons, motivated Barca to overcome their rivals and lift the trophy in Gothenburg.
The PSG Nightmare
Barca had reached the final of the Champions League in 2016-17, losing 4-1 to Lyon. They were hoping to bounce back the next season, but they faced a tough challenge in PSG, who had won the French league and cup double. PSG were also led by Marie-Antoinette Katoto, who would go on to become the top scorer in Europe that season with 31 goals.
The first leg in Paris was a disaster for Barca, who were outplayed and outclassed by PSG. Katoto scored twice, while Ashley Lawrence and Christiane Endler added one each to give PSG a 4-0 lead. Barca had no shots on target and looked helpless and hopeless.
The second leg in Barcelona was a formality, as PSG held on to their advantage and advanced to the semifinals with a 5-1 aggregate win. Barca were left devastated and embarrassed by their performance, which was one of their worst in history.
The Lyon Dominance
In the 2018–19 Champions League, Barca had a second chance to right their wrongs, but they were up against Lyon, the four-time champion, who presented an even tougher challenge. After defeating LSK Kvinner and Bayern Munich in the semifinal round, Barca advanced to the final for the second time in their history.
The final in Budapest was a one-sided affair, as Lyon showed their class and experience. Ada Hegerberg scored a hat-trick in the first half, while Dzsenifer Marozsan and Amandine Henry added one each to give Lyon a 5-0 lead. Barca scored a consolation goal through Asisat Oshoala in the 89th minute, but it was too little too late.
Barcelona was defeated 5-1, and they were forced to watch Lyon win the Champions League for the fifth time in a row. Despite being disappointed with their performance, Barca was nonetheless proud of their accomplishment.
The Bayern Comeback
With Bayern Munich, who had won both the German league and cup, Barca had another chance to win the Champions League for the 2019–20 season. Barca defeated Juventus and Atletico Madrid to advance to the semifinals for the third time in their history.
Both teams traded chances and goals in the first leg in Barcelona, which was a thrilling match. Barca took an early lead thanks to Jenni Hermoso, but Bayern responded through Melanie Leupolz. Kheira Hamraoui gave Barcelona the advantage once more, but Lineth Beerensteyn gave Bayern the equalizer. Barca took the lead once more through Mariona Caldentey, but Bayern answered through Simone Laudehr. The game ended 3-3 and left everything open for the second leg.
The second leg in Munich was a nail-biter, as both teams fought hard for a place in the final. Bayern took an early lead through Leupolz, but Barca equalized through Oshoala. The game went into extra time and then penalties, where Barca prevailed 5-4 thanks to Sandra Panos’ save from Linda Dallmann’s spot-kick.
Barca reached the final for the third time in their history, after beating Bayern 6-5 on aggregate. Barca were ecstatic and relieved by their performance, which was one of their best in history.
The Wolfsburg Redemption
Wolfsburg presented Barca with one more difficulty in the 2020–21 Champions League. In four finals, they competed and won the German double. For the fourth time, Barca advanced to the final. They beat Fortuna Hjorring and Manchester City before that.
Both teams displayed their talent and character in the Gothenburg championship game, which was an exhilarating ride. Alexandra Popp and Ewa Pajor each scored once in the first half to give Wolfsburg a 2-0 lead. Barca looked stunned and shaken, but they did not give up.
In the second half, Barca made an incredible comeback by scoring three goals in 13 minutes. Aitana Bonmati scored off a cross, Caroline Graham Hansen scored off a rebound, and Alexia Putellas scored from the penalty spot. Barca took a 3-2 lead and held on to it until the final whistle.
As the first Spanish team to do so, Barca won their first Champions League trophy. Barca was overjoyed and emotional by their performance, which was their ultimate dream come true.
Conclusion
Although Barca’s road to Champions League glory was not simple, it was worthwhile. They experienced numerous setbacks and difficulties, but they also grew as a result of them. However, they also demonstrated their talent and strength in the face of numerous formidable and seasoned teams. They had a lot of fears and doubts to overcome, but they also demonstrated passion and courage. They endured a protracted period of waiting, but they also contributed to memory and history. Barca’s Champions League heartbreaks fueled their win over Wolfsburg and made them the champions of Europe.