Home » The Epic UWCL Final: A Tale of Two Perspectives

The Epic UWCL Final: A Tale of Two Perspectives

Football, Sports, UWCL / By / / FC Barcelona Femeni
FC Barcelona Femeni win the UWCL Final.

FC Barcelona Femeni win the UWCL Final. Photo credit: UWCL Twitter.

The final of the UEFA Women’s Champions League featured an exciting clash between two of Europe’s top teams. However, the intensity and impact of the act varied from one observer to another. Sporting Her’s Adam Salter and Unnati Naidu both watched the game with differing perspectives, physically and emotionally. Whilst Adam travelled to Eindhoven to see the phenomenon in person as a neutral observer, Unnati watched on from her home in Mumbai, and being an ardent Barcelona supporter, suffered and enjoyed the emotional rollercoaster of the spectacle that was about to unfold.

As the highly anticipated final drew near, Barcelona fans prepared for another grand displacement from Catalonia to Eindhoven. People embarked on lengthy journeys, enduring 15-hour bus rides or boarding chartered planes organized by the club, all in unwavering support of their beloved team. The devastating loss in Turin left an unforgettable mark on every loyal Culer, triggering a sense of personal anguish. In the aftermath of that defeat, both the players and the fans made solemn vows. The players pledged to return and bring home the coveted trophy, acknowledging their indebtedness to the fans. In turn, the fans made a simple yet powerful promise—to bestow their unwavering support upon the team, no matter what. The Turin finals became etched into the collective memory of Barcelona fans, resembling a distressing nightmare. Nevertheless, there was an inexplicable trust in the team that pervaded our hearts. Approximately 10,000 fans embarked on the journey from Catalonia to Eindhoven, infusing the Dutch city with the vibrant spirit of Catalonia itself. And in amongst all of them was Adam, unaware of the impending storm of pure emotion he was about to experience. 

It began at 13:00.

Throughout the day, fans had been flocking to Eindhoven to partake in the exciting climax of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. And though Wolfsburg fans could be spotted whilst walking through the city centre, it was clear that they were dwarfed by the invading army of Barcelona fans. In every pub, on every bench, at every table, throngs of fans sporting Barcelona gear could be seen everywhere. The Wolfsburg drummers did their best to make their fans’ voices heard, but it was in vain. There was a carnival atmosphere, as the Barca fans drowned out all other ambiences in the area. No pre-match nerves could be detected, an air of confidence hung in the air, a strong belief that a second UWCL title would be on its way to Camp Nou in the next few hours. And as the minutes counted down to 13:00, the fans gathered on 18 Septemberplein, the drummers, the flag bearers, the singers, and the chanters, waiting for the signal. Then, as the clock struck 13:00, they marched. 

For those of Catalonia, this Barcelona side is everything. They are the food they eat, the water they drink, the rising sun and the setting moon. They are the ground upon which they tread, the air that they breathe, the light with which they see. It is a love for a club, stronger and more passionate than anything I had ever witnessed before. When the fans set off, it was not to the stadium, or the fan zone, but instead to the team hotel. For an entire hour, as the team bus awaited the departure of their heroes, for which they have invested in so much hope and faith, the culers serenaded the building with their songs, their drums, and their whistles. Despite not having a personal affinity with Barcelona, I could not help but get carried along with the incredible atmosphere, shouting ‘Barca!’ as the different chants cycled around. At times, I had to remind myself that this was all for their women’s team. Barcelona is a relative newcomer to the higher table of Women’s European football, but they have generated a passionate following that puts their rivals to shame. Clubs that have been in this game for much longer would do well to watch and observe and see what is possible when you work to improve your team off the pitch as well as on it. 

At 14:30, a huge roar reverberated through the congregated mob, as the players made their way through the crowds to the bus. Every player was applauded, whistled, shouted, and cheered, but one player was adored greater than the rest. At the stadium, a message on the screen stated: There are many queens, but only one can wear the crown. A catchy title to reflect the talent all over Europe that has competed all season for this one moment, but it is a turn of phrase appropriate for this side. Because even though they possess the greatest pool of talent on the continent, Barcelona has their queen; revered and adored above all others. During his time at the club, Messi was everything to the fans. He was their God, their idol, their saviour. If Lionel Messi was the King of Barcelona, then their Queen was undoubtedly their captain, Ballon D’or winner, Alexia Putellas. Seeing her back in the team after her devastating pre-Euro ACL injury, and watching her get on the bus with her fellow teammates, cranked the volume up to 11. Then the bus set off, and the fans followed in its wake, to march upon the battleground of their upcoming showdown. 

As I observed everything Adam experienced, tears welled up in my eyes back home in Mumbai. In my view, we Culers stand as the best fans in the world. Despite my role as a journalist, which demands neutrality, it becomes nearly impossible to remain impartial when my team is playing in such a momentous final. The tremendous influx of fans transformed Eindhoven into a vibrant sea of Blaugrana. Our support for the team knows no bounds; we share in their joys, happiness, pain, and anguish consistently. It had been an arduous season for Barcelona, marked by the Turin defeat and the unfortunate loss of Alexia to the relentless monster that is an ACL injury. We also faced numerous other injuries throughout the season. To cope with the pain, one of our fans, Nuk (known as bonmapi on Twitter), devised a theory known as the ‘theory of two’ one afternoon. According to this theory, the miracle of Eindhoven would belong to us, and Barcelona would secure their second UWCL title. The ‘theory of two’ was a simple concept—fans kept noticing the number two in various circumstances, firmly believing that the Eindhoven miracle was imminent. What began as a small notion swiftly evolved into one of the grandest collective illusions ever formed by the fans. Remarkably, the players caught wind of it, and in many ways, they too started to embrace and believe in it, just as we did. 

Walking with the fans to the Philips Stadium, there was a vibe in the air not too dissimilar to that of Euro 2022. Banners hung on lampposts around the city celebrating the big occasion. A fan park had been set up outside the stadium. Heineken had commissioned some signs to celebrate the fans who supported Women’s Football, although their attempts at conveying that message left a lot to be desired. Nevertheless, the vibe was positive all around. Wolfsburg had taken command of the East Stand, whilst Barcelona ruled the West, and pretty much everywhere else. A sea of Red, Yellow and Blue could be seen sweeping around the lower tiers and in the upper pockets. Flags were waved with vigour, whilst Wolfsburg displayed a Tifo across their allocation, with green and white cards held aloft. They may have been outnumbered, but they would not be outdone, cheering as hard as they could as their team came out for the warm-up. Then came the pomp and circumstance of the opening ceremony. In 2007, just under 3,500 fans came to Meadow Park to watch Arsenal compete in the UEFA Women’s Cup Final. No thrills, no spills, just a game of football, and a podium at the end for the Gunners to lift after clinging on for a 0-0 draw to seal a 1-0 aggregate lead. There wasn’t even any confetti. Oh, how times have changed now. A huge spectacle, with flags, banners, dancers, fireworks, flamethrowers, and a thumping soundtrack, provided the perfect preamble for what was to follow. Sarina Wiegman, 2 times winner of the European Championship with the Netherlands and England, brought the trophy into the stadium to a roar of approval. The incredible UWCL anthem blared out from the speakers. The players took their positions. A solitary whistle, followed by the bellow of crowd anticipation and excitement. The Final was finally underway. 

UWCL Final. FC Barcelona Femeni vs Wolfsburg.
UWCL Final. FC Barcelona Femeni vs Wolfsburg. Photo credit: FC Barcelona Femeni.

For Barcelona, this final held significance beyond measure. It represented a mission—an opportunity to rectify the mistakes of the previous season. They embarked on their journey to Turin, much like their venture to Eindhoven, filled with determination to conquer Lyon and avenge their defeat in 2019. However, things did not go their way, and the result was strikingly similar to the one in 2019. Merely six minutes into the match, an awe-inspiring strike from Amandine Henry set the tone, and Ada Hegerberg’s performance evoked memories of her past brilliance, propelling Lyon to a resounding 3-1 victory. The players found themselves devastated, and the fans were left in a state of inconsolable sorrow. At that moment, the Barca players reassured the fans that in the following season, they would set things right. They would make a triumphant return to the final and claim victory for their devoted supporters. The encounter in Eindhoven marked Barcelona’s fourth appearance in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final within five seasons, although they had suffered defeats in two out of the previous three. A loss against Wolfsburg would undoubtedly tarnish their aura of European supremacy. The passionate Barca fans were acutely aware of the stakes. The melodies echoing on matchday served a purpose beyond creating a vibrant atmosphere; they carried a plea of hope and unwavering belief, aimed at helping their beloved heroes overcome the haunting memories of the previous year. 

Merely three minutes into the match at Eindhoven, old wounds were mercilessly reopened. Lucy Bronze, on the edge of her penalty area, displayed a disconcerting sense of complacency. In that vulnerable moment, Ewa Pajor seized the opportunity with lightning speed, stealing the ball from Bronze’s grasp and, without breaking her stride, unleashing a thunderous shot that left the helpless Paños with no chance. The haunting memories of Lyon echoed through the crowd, as the disheartening realization dawned that, despite all efforts, the same narrative from the previous season was unfolding once again before their eyes. The travelling support, once brimming with passion, seemed to have their energy drained away. The chants and drums persisted, but it was as if someone had muted the speakers. The atmosphere, once filled with joy and excitement, had now been replaced by fear and anxiety, emotions palpable both on and off the pitch. Barcelona, renowned for their confident passing and fluid movement, which usually showcased the telepathic bond between players, appeared lost. Instead of their trademark assurance, hesitation and doubt seeped into their gameplay. A growing disconnect between the midfield and attack became apparent, allowing Wolfsburg to skillfully fend off any attempts at a comeback. Howls of frustration from the fans grew more frequent as low crosses failed to find the mark and Wolfsburg intercepted their predictable passes. This was not how the day was supposed to unfold, and the disappointment was overwhelming. 

In Mumbai, witnessing Wolfsburg’s opening goal was an incredibly challenging moment. As devoted fans, we were well aware that this match would be closely contested and arduous. However, the frustration reached new heights as the mistake made by the team mirrored the one committed against Lyon in Turin. The entire season had seen numerous changes implemented within the team to ensure that the same errors from the previous year would not be repeated. Yet, the first goal felt like a sudden electric shock, jolting our spirits. 

For us neutral observers, however, this final was an absolute treat. Unlike the somewhat comical 2021 final against Chelsea, which lacked excitement for various reasons including the absence of fans due to COVID, this match was a spectacle to behold. Back then, Barcelona managed to swiftly dismantled a Chelsea side that were ill-prepared to compete with their higher level of football. Within the first 20 minutes, the game was essentially won with a resounding 4-0 lead, rendering the remaining 70 minutes a mere formality. There was no sense of suspense or jeopardy, as the moment Kirby’s panicked clearance deflected off Leupolz and into her net, it became evident that the outcome would be a procession. Yet on this occassion, instead of a lacklustre affair, we were treated to one of the greatest finals in the history of the Champions League. The technical prowess on display was extraordinary, and the narrative unfolded flawlessly. Barcelona found themselves shell-shocked, while their fans were left in disbelief. Wolfsburg, despite facing a few scares, appeared in control. And then, it became even more captivating. Wolfsburg skillfully evaded Barcelona’s relentless press, launching a rare counter-attack. With ample space and numbers forward, Pajor delivered a brilliant cross, allowing Popp to expertly head the ball home at the far post.  

When the cameras captured Alexia Putellas on the bench, her expression conveyed a multitude of emotions, mirroring that of the fans. Subconsciously I did not even remember when the tears started to stream down my face. All I remember from that moment is watching her on TV and getting a flashback of the devastation we faced in Turin. Halftime had arrived, with Barcelona trailing by two goals. Once again, the echoes of Turin resonated. The team were on the verge of losing yet another Champions League final. 

For Barcelona and their devoted fans, it felt like a never-ending nightmare. Despite Alexia’s unwavering promise that they would emerge victorious once again, the team seemed to be grappling with difficulties and failing to showcase their signature style of play. As the favourites, they had not lived up to the lofty standards of football that we had grown accustomed to witnessing from them. Even in their semi-final clash against Chelsea, they encountered struggles in finding the breakthrough, despite their overall dominance. It was only through the brilliance of Caroline Graham Hansen that Barcelona managed to overcome the resilient South London side. Once more, Barcelona desperately needed her exceptional skills to help turn the tides in their favour. And in the second half, she responded emphatically to that call.

What unfolded in the second half was nothing short of incredible, as Wolfsburg quickly crumbled under mounting pressure. Over the past two seasons, we had witnessed them squander commanding leads against Chelsea and Arsenal, but this collapse surpassed all expectations. Within the first five chaotic minutes, 45 minutes of hard work and tactical discipline were swiftly undone. Caroline Graham Hansen became the catalyst, embarking on a darting run towards the by-line, inexplicably ignored by the Wolfsburg defense. This time, her low cross found its mark, met by the incoming Guijarro right in front of the passionate Barcelona supporters. Throughout the game, the fans had been subdued yet not silent, but now it was as if someone had injected nitroglycerin into their sound system. A deafening roar of relief reverberated through the stadium as their team finally gained the desired foothold in the match.

Roars of relief seamlessly transformed into cheers of pure jubilation just minutes later when, once again, Bonmatí’s cross from that same flank found Guijarro, who converted it with precision. In a mere five minutes, the Barcelona faithful swung from the depths of despair to unadulterated ecstasy. The songs resounded, the flags waved proudly, and the sheer volume of noise escalated with abundance. Within the stadium, despite there being a remaining 40 minutes of play, an undeniable sense pervaded that the game would only progress in one direction. Wolfsburg had demonstrated bravery and boldness, but the tide had turned against them. Their players began losing individual battles, succumbing in 50-50 situations. Barcelona exhibited superior speed, strength, and an overflowing reservoir of confidence. The fear that had hindered them throughout the game had dissipated entirely. And their fans, perceptive as ever, embraced this truth with unwavering certainty. 

The only disappointment stemming from the game was how the winning goal was scored, as it lacked the same level of quality exhibited throughout the match. Another cross from the right flank unsettled the Wolfsburg defense, and in the ensuing scramble, Rolfö, playing against her former club, smashed the loose ball into the net. The West Stand erupted into celebration. The haunting memories of Turin had finally been put to rest. The remaining 20 minutes were meant to be enjoyed, rather than endured. Such was their comfort that there was time for one last moment to savour. As the clock ticked past the 90-minute mark, Alexia Putellas was called from the bench, given the opportunity to grace the occasion for the remaining precious minutes. It is a testament to the strength of this Barcelona team that they achieved this incredible comeback without having to rely on their talisman. Wolfsburg made desperate attempts with long balls forward but to no avail. This was Barcelona’s Final, their story, and once again they emerged as the triumphant ones. 

With the final whistle, a breathless, exhausting, and emotionally charged battle came to an end, yielding an expected outcome that unfolded unexpectedly. The Wolfsburg players lay scattered on the pitch, left to process yet another Final slipping through their fingers. For the Barcelona players and the fans watching, pure jubilation was the only visible emotion. As they went to collect their medals, as the trophy was hoisted high above Alexia Putellas’ head in jubilation, as the pyrotechnics lit up the sky and confetti showered from above, and as I stood and applauded from the stands the incredible contest I had been fortunate enough to bear witness to, I couldn’t help but reflect on the significance of this final. Barcelona is undeniably the best team in Europe. They possess a speed and strength, both physically and mentally, that surpasses any other team in women’s football. They have become the new standard, the benchmark to which all other clubs aspire to have their players perform. 

Every Barcelona player kissed the trophy, clutching it with an unyielding grasp as though hesitant to let it go. Their acts plainly demonstrated the undying desire and tenacity that fuelled their quest for success once more. The image of Alexia triumphantly recovering from a gruelling injury and lifting the trophy high over her head reflected her undying dedication to being among the best in the world. Tears welled up in my eyes, not from sadness like the previous season, but from sheer delight. This team deserves nothing short of everything they have achieved. They have unambiguously proved to the rest of the world why we culers would go to such lengths to ensure their success. And this is only the beginning.

But it goes beyond that. Barcelona is more than just a talented football team. Throughout the history of women’s football, there have been formidable European giants like Frankfurt, Turbine Potsdam, and Wolfsburg. Lyon dominated Europe for five consecutive seasons. However, while these teams achieved success on the pitch, none of them have accomplished what Barcelona has off the pitch. 

Last season, Barcelona made headlines with their incredible attendance at Camp Nou for matches against Real Madrid and Wolfsburg in the Champions League. These were not isolated events but rather a genuine reflection of the unwavering support their women’s team enjoys. What I witnessed before and during the game was unlike anything I had ever seen at club level. The closest comparison I can make is Arsenal’s sold-out match against Wolfsburg, where over 60,000 fans turned up to support the team. However, what Barcelona achieved was on an entirely different scale. They are a club that embraces change, surpassing even Lyon’s accomplishments. It speaks volumes that they are comfortable playing at their men’s stadium regularly, in front of 90,000 passionate fans, while WSL champions tremble at the thought of playing a critical game in front of 20,000 fans at Stamford Bridge. Barcelona represents the future. They epitomize what women’s football should be and what it should have been all along. They have surged ahead, leaving the rest of us trailing in their wake. Now, it is up to everyone else to take notice, to be inspired, and to follow their path towards the next stage of women’s football’s evolution. 

 

Written by Adam Salter and Unnati Naidu

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Unnati Naidu
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Doctor, Photographer and Journalist ready to take on the world.

Adam Salter
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