Growing character takes Barca to next level

Barcelona displayed their mental growth as they conquered Europe for the second time with a stunning comeback victory over Wolfsburg in the women’s Champions League final.

After suffering a defeat labelled “traumatic” by captain Alexia Putellas against Lyon in last season’s final, Jonatan Giraldez’s side seemed to be collapsing again in the season’s showpiece event in Eindhoven.

However, Patri Guijarro’s brace and Fridolina Rolfo’s winner helped the Catalans triumph 3-2 at the PSV Stadium, with a remarkable second-half turnaround showing they have progressed to the next level.

Coach Giraldez said that kind of steely mentality was something that the team had been working on attaining this season.

“In football, there are sometimes more important things, it’s not enough just to play well,” Giraldez told reporters. “Today, the character was key. They did not let themselves sink. They came out with an incredible attitude and that is important. We have worked on that through the season, that in the bad moments you have to give the best version of yourself.”

Defeat would have been a big setback, with the club determined to dominate women’s football, reaching four of the last five finals.

In their first final in 2019, Lyon steamrollered them 4-1. They won their second in 2021, inflicting the same misery on Chelsea.

Last season it was their turn to collapse against Lyon. After Ewa Pajor and Alexandra Popp struck early on for Tommy Stroot’s Wolfsburg, history seemed to be repeating itself once more.

Barcelona’s mentality is not the same now as it was then, though, with the club taking steps forward each year in their bid to lead women’s football in the 2020s.

‘Never worried’

Barcelona defender Lucy Bronze made a mistake for Wolfsburg’s opener, giving the ball away under pressure from Pajor, who finished well.

However, she said her team always believed in themselves to come back, despite how difficult a task it was.

“I don’t think we were ever worried about scoring three goals, which is a crazy feat, and that’s the talent of this team,” Bronze told DAZN.

Giraldez hailed Bronze’s ability to brush off her mistake.

“One of the most important things after making a mistake is how you react,” said Giraldez. “The winger didn’t beat Lucy at any time -- some players can go down, Lucy’s reaction was magnificent.”