Barcelona won a second European Women’s Champions League title after coming from behind stunningly to beat German giants Wolfsburg 3-2 without their Nigerian star, Asisat Oshoala.
Oshoala missed the final after suffering a hamstring injury prior to the final and was replaced in the starting line-up by 19-year-old Salma Paralluelo.
The 28-year-old Nigerian has been in fine form this season – scoring 26 times in all competitions, including five in the Champions League. Barca confirmed the news ahead of the game, with the striker injuring her left thigh.
Her absence was felt in the opening stages of the game as the Spanish champions trailed 2-0 at half-time before Patri Guijarro’s two-minute brace pulled them level.
Spurred on by their instant response in the second half, Barcelona piled on the pressure and were eventually rewarded.
Fridolina Rolfo got the winner, thumping it into the roof of the net from close range with 20 minutes left.
After losing their crown to Lyon in last year’s final, Barcelona travelled to Eindhoven as favourites against a very strong Wolfsburg side, who were seeking a third European trophy in 10 years.
Wolfsburg got off to the perfect start when competition top scorer Ewa Pajor robbed the ball of England defender Lucy Bronze, returning after knee surgery in April, to drive in the opener.
Germany international Alexandra Popp was then set up by Pajor with a teasing cross – the striker making no mistake as she headed in Wolfsburg’s second.
Barcelona had lacked fluency and patience in the first half but it was no surprise they bounced back, displaying the quality of football that helped them reach a fourth final in five seasons.
