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      Manuela Zinsberger urges Arsenal to overcome ‘hard hit’ in Women’s Champions League battle with BK Hacken

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      MANUELA ZINSBERGER wants Arsenal to avoid dwelling on past Champions League results ahead of their decisive push for a group stage spot. However the Gunners will be without Leah Williamson with the defender ruled out of their clash with BK Hacken tomorrow. Manuela Zinsberger says Arsenal’s expectation is to get beyond the Women’s Champions League group stageCredit: GettyArsenal are aiming to beat BK Hacken in their decisive second round qualifier clashCredit: GettyThe England skipper, 27, was placed in concussion protocol before her club’s WSL season-opening draw with City on Sunday.Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall explained she sustained concussion during an incident in training.The head coach said: “I don’t have a timeframe on Leah’s injury at the moment. It’s guided by our medical team.””When I have something more concrete to communicate, I will do that.”Read More Football StoriesArsenal host Swedish outfit Hacken at Meadow Park tomorrow evening in a second-leg clash in the Women’s Champions League second round qualifiers.Eidevall’s players require a win by two goals or more in order to reach the contest’s group stage, with their rivals having a 1-0 first-leg win advantage. And much is riding on the result with club chiefs planning to host the team’s remaining duels in the contest at the Emirates this season.Arsenal shot stopper Zinsberger, 28, said: “The Champions League should be motivation enough no matter what happened last season.Most read in Football”I’m not a fan of talking about the past. “I’m more a fan of looking forward and our motivation is as high as last season – I would say even higher.”Our expectation is (reaching) the group stage or (going) even further, but taking it step-by-step.”The motivation is high to win the game and turn it around and finally get to the group stages.”Zinsberger, who made 18 top-flight appearances last term, was part of the Arsenal team beaten on penalties by Paris FC in the Champions League qualifying stage last September.  And she hopes to help her side see off Hacken in their battle for a group stage spot following the Gunners’ loss last Wednesday.The Austria No1 added: “It’s important to learn (from that) and it was definitely a hard hit for us.”We all hadn’t expected that one, but it definitely hit us the way it shouldn’t, but it was a big learning that you have to take every chance as it would be your last.”With Hacken, we haven’t underestimated them, we’ve seen how good they are.”But I don’t want to talk about them, for us we’ve got to perform and we have to be at our best.”Tomorrow’s game comes three days before Jonas Eidevall’s side’s league trip to Leicester, having nabbed a point against Manchester City in their season opener. With club chiefs committing to making the Emirates their main home for WSL and European fixtures this term, Eidevall is eager to see them progress.  The Arsenal boss adds: “It’s that pressure we put on ourselves that we need to get into the group stage, and that’s what we should do.”Lotte Wubben-Moy is expected to start alongside Laia Codina in Arsenal’s central defenceCredit: GettyTomorrow’s match is likely to see Lotte Wubben-Moy and Laia Codina in central defence in the absence of Williamson.READ MORE SUN STORIESEidevall said: “Leah is a fantastic player and she would be missed by any team, but the strength of our squad is we have players like Manuela. “We have Lotte and Codi (Codina) playing phenomenally well together.” More

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      Jonas Eidevall backs Arsenal to do the business in Champions League qualifier battle with BK Hacken

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      JONAS EIDEVALL hopes Arsenal can bask in the pressure of battling to keep their Women’s Champions League dream alive.And the Gunners gaffer was tight-lipped on whether Rosa Kafaji and Stina Blackstenius will face their old club BK Hacken tonight.Rosa Kafaji could be line to start for Arsenal against BK Hacken in the first leg of their Champions League second round qualifierCredit: EPAThe Gunners are hoping for a repeat of the ruthless efficiency that saw them beat Rangers in the first roundCredit: APTomorrow in Sweden Arsenal play the first of three high stakes games in nine days. These include a WSL season-opener against Manchester City at the Emirates on Sunday.First priority is collecting a victory in the first leg of the Champions League qualifier second-round and avoiding the shock exit they suffered in this round last year.Eidevall said: “Of course, everyone feels a little bit of pressure and for me that’s not a negative thing, it’s positive and a necessity for high performance.Read More Football Stories “This is really business time for us where we put everyone’s competence into the hot seat.”We have prepped for this period because we knew this was going to be busy. “It’s exciting to be here and close to going into the group stage of the Champions League.”It’s exciting to go to the Emirates to play Manchester City this weekend, but we need to keep our focus on the day-by-day activity. Most read in Football”We’re really hungry and I expect Hacken to be too.”Tomorrow’s 6:00pm duel at the Bravina Arena in Gothenburg could see Sweden duo Kafaji and Blackstenius return to haunt their former side.Should Kafaji feature, it would be her first appearance for against her old club since sealing a permanent move to Eidevall’s side for a reported fee between £200,000 and £250,000.The Sweden-born head coach added: “There is always some emotion and all of us who are from Sweden think it’s nice to come here and to be able show the team this country.”And it’s a little bit special for Stina and Rosa having played for Hacken before. “There’s a lot of ingredients for an exciting game between two teams who like to be in possession.”Elsewhere Arsenal’s WSL rivals Man City will be looking to get their push for a Champions League group stage place off to flier.They face visit Paris FC who finished third in France’s top-flight last term and are due to play Guincamp in their Division One Feminine opener.And the match could see ex-Gunners ace Vivianne Miedema make her first appearance for the Cityzens in Europe since joining club as a free agent inLast season the French side pulled off two major Champions Leagues shocks – knocking Arsenal and two-time contest winners Wolfsburg out of the tournamentYesterday Man City boss Gareth Taylor said: “They’re a dangerous opponent and will not make it easy. Vivianne Miedema could be in line to feature for Man City when they play Paris FC in the Champions League second qualifiersCredit: Getty”They’re a tough opponent for us but actually the signs from our team in pre-season has been really good.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Regardless of who we drew, this is a really tough stage of the competition.”I’ve said previously, that in this round, you will probably face tougher games than you would in the group stages in the league format.” More

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      ‘I’m not at the start of my career. I have to make smart moves to accomplish my dreams’, says Lucy Bronze

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      LUCY BRONZE is desperate to fulfil a dream that has so far eluded her during a trophy-laden 17-year playing career.Lifting the Champions League trophy with an English club is a milestone the Chelsea star, 32, is yet achieve.Lucy Bronze believes Chelsea are in a stronger position to win the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyThe England full-back has won the competition five times with Lyon and BarcelonaCredit: GettyBronze helped her former club Barca win their third Champions League title when they beat Lyon 2-0 in May this yearCredit: GettyBut it’s something she hopes to do with the Blues determined to end their trophyless run in the tournament.Adding Europe’s biggest club prize to their collection of 16 trophies – including seven WSL titles – is a top priority in a new era for the Blues under Sonia Bompastor.The France-born head coach, 44, has won the contest as a midfielder and a manager during a playing and coaching career spanning 17 years with Lyon.And Bronze is no stranger to winning the tournament having done so three times with the French side, and twice with Barcelona.Read More Football StoriesThe right-back, who joined Chelsea on a two-year deal in July after two years in Spain, said: “Those moments: Champions League finals, World Cup finals, European finals, they don’t come along that often.“They’re the best feelings that you have as an athlete.”Going for those every year is something that really motivates me but I’m motivated by the fact that I absolutely love what I do.”I’m not at the start of my career so I had to make smart moves to try to accomplish these dreams that I have.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Winning the Champions League with an English team has always been my dream.”Coming to Chelsea, I wanted to win the Champions League with an English team and they are the best team to do that with.Angry Chelsea fan slams Todd Boehly’s transfer policy and claims no Blues supporters are happy with his running of the ‘unrecognisable’ club”I won the tournament for the first time at Lyon, but nothing would ever be as good as doing it with an English team.”That’s something that I felt playing for England as well, winning a tournament with England means more to me than anything else.”Bronze’s hunger to help Chelsea become the first English side since Arsenal to win Europe’s elite club competition is an ambition shared by her boss.It has been 17 years since a team from these shores has triumphed in the contest.Within that time clubs from France and Germany have been the most dominant sides prior to Barcelona’s emergence as champions on three occasions since 2021.Bompastor’s former club Lyon are the contest’s current record winners. Since 2011 they have lifted the trophy eight times, with Bronze featuring in their wins in 2018, 2019 and 2020.In her first Blues press conference last month Bompastor made it clear that Champions League glory with Chelsea was among her targets.  And she believes a triumph in Europe would take her team 2to the next level”.Bompastor, whose side will host Aston Villa on September 20, said: “They have had a lot of success in past seasons thanks to Emma (Hayes).”My job is to work really hard to build on that legacy and try to bring the club to the next level.”Being able to win the Champions League will be a big challenge because there are a lot of really competitive clubs in Europe.”I think we have all the talent in the squad to go to the final and have a chance to win it.”In Bronze’s mind Chelsea emerging as victors in the tournament is just a matter of the team adding a “small bit” to their big pushes in Europe.Adding that small bit at the end, it’s the biggest push, but the smallest little bit is needed to try to win the trophy.Lucy Bronze Past forays have seen them notch up firsts including beating two-time contest winners Wolfsburg for the first time in the tournament in 2021.They did so on the way to reaching the contest’s decider for the first time, where they were defeated by Barcelona. But Bronze, whose chat with Bompastor after this year’s final in June paved the way for move to London, believes her gaffer’s experience will be key to the Blues’ aim to join the list of tournament’s winners.  The Northumberland-born defender, who helped Barcelona beat Lyon in this year’s final added: “Chelsea have been to the final. “They’ve beaten the top teams. They are already in a lot better position. “Adding that small bit at the end, it’s the biggest push, but the smallest little bit is needed to try to win the trophy.”Sonia’s been very experienced in the Champions League and that makes a huge difference.”Since her senior club football debut for Sunderland at 16 in 2007, Bronze has played for the Black Cats, Everton, Liverpool, Lyon and for Manchester City in two separate stints.During her playing career in England, the Lioness has won seven major domestic trophies including three WSL titles. The full-back was also an influential figure in England’s run to the last Women’s Euros and World Cup finals, helping her team become European Champions for the first time in 2022.Next summer Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses will attempt to make history with their hope of becoming the first England team to win back-to-back Euros.Since the Lionesses’ tournament win two years ago, Bronze made 69 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions during her two-year spell there.But while the Catalan giants offered her a contract extension, reports claim the full-back was not a guaranteed to be a starter next season.On whether competing for an England spot for next year’s Euros influenced to her decision to leave the club, Bronze said: “I knew that as a Barcelona player I didn’t think I could keep going at that level.”Playing that amount of games every year, and all the travel they go through.”So coming back to England there are less games, maybe they are a bit more intense each, but I have more time to recover which I think is more important to me.”The (Women’s Super) league is special because the rivalries are getting stronger each year. “They are the games you look forward to no matter what league you play in.Bronze is set to make her first appearance in the WSL as a Chelsea player when they host Aston Villa on September 20Credit: Getty”To come back and to play in these rivalries, and to witness other ones like City and United, that’s what the supporters like to see.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It brings the drama to the game so I am looking forward to that. “The Chelsea-Arsenal game is the one I’m looking forward the most.” More

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      Leah Williamson backs Arsenal to handle Women’s Champions League qualifier pressure in clash with Rangers

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      LEAH WILLIAMSON insists Arsenal aim to avoid the hurt of a Champions League qualifier exit when they face Rangers. The Gunners host Scotland’s top-flight leaders tomorrow evening with a place in the first round qualifying final at stake.Leah Williamson and Arsenal are targeting a win against Rangers in their Women’s Champions League first round qualifier duelCredit: GettyRangers are top of the Scottish Women’s Premier League after five wins from their first five games this termCredit: RexThe 7:30pm Meadow Park clash comes almost a year after Williamson’s side were knocked out on penalties last term in the contest’s qualifier stage by French side Paris FC.And the Arsenal centre-back, 27, who was then working her way to back fitness from a ruptured knee ligament, insists her team are eager to get the job done this time around.  Williamson said: “Last year was a hurtful situation. We were left to regret that for the rest of the year.”Everyone knows what it feels like to lose, no one wants to feel like that again.Read More Football Stories “But with this team, one of the benefits, or one of the strengths of the team, is the intensity that we’ve played at.”And when pressure arrives, that sort of tension can be taken out on the way that we play.”The last time Williamson featured in a Champions League fixture for her club was in March 2023.Back then she helped the Gunners overturn a 1-0 quarter-final first-leg deficit against Bayern Munich.Most read in FootballThey sealed a 2-1 aggregate victory in a second-leg clash at the Emirates.And it was Williamson’s backheeled assist that teed up Frida Maanum’s stunning top corner strike which put the game to bed.The defender, who made her senior Arsenal debut in a Champions League last eight duel with Birmingham ten years ago added: “That night of football was incredible.”It was the first time I think I really felt the real magic of the Champions League with overturning a 1-0 deficit.”There were so many elements. Frida’s goal was incredible.”And it was the first time on a night like that, with that many people coming out to watch us, when there was rain and it was cold. “But that is actually my core memory when I think about playing in the Champions League. That’s the last game I played in it.”Tomorrow night, regardless of it being a qualifier and not quarter-final, that does not matter to me. “It’s Champions League and I’m very excited to get back involved. “And the opportunity of playing in those knockout games is special because it offers you those special moments if you are on the right side of them.”Arsenal will be without the services of forward Beth Mead and defender Steph Catley with the duo both ruled out due to injury. However the team will have Netherlands goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar in their squad along with new forwards Mariona Caldentey and Rosa Kafaji. The Wednesday evening game will pit Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners against a Rangers side with five wins from five games in the Scottish Women’s Premier League.The team are coached by former Arsenal midfielder Jo Potter who also guided her players to a Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup win in March via a 4-1 defeat of Partick Thistle.Eidevall, 41, adds: “They were very, very close to knocking out Benfica who we know are a good European team.“We know the qualification stages is not easy. We need to bring our very best from the first second in the game to the very last, so it’s no underestimating opponents from us.”The victors of tomorrow’s game will face Atletico Madrid or Rosenborg BK in Saturday’s first round qualifier final.And while boss Eidevall sees the push for a WSL title as his team’s “bread and butter”, reaching the Champions League group stage is a priority.He adds: “If you look at football as a global phenomenon, Champions League is what makes European football so special.”It’s what makes the whole world want to come to Europe and compete. “Of course, if I look it (the game) the league (in England) is our bread and butter.”That has to be our foundation. That has to be our main target – to win the (Women’s Super) League.Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall is eager to see his side reach the Champions League group stageCredit: Getty”But Europe always has to be the vision and it’s going to bring the toughest challenges, it’s going to be knockout football and down to moments.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And it’s the jeopardy of that as well that makes football so exciting.”As a club, I very much see us as a European club then you need to be a part of the competition and be present in the group stages.” More

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      ‘We need to use this time very wisely’, says Jonas Eidevall as Arsenal gear up for new season

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      JONAS EIDEVALL hopes Arsenal’s pre-season test will determine which players gel best on the pitch before their push for silverware next term.  And the Gunners chief wants his ace to have a fast start in the qualifiers for the Champions League group stage.Jonas Eidevall’s players will take on a Washington Spirit in the first game of their pre-season tour laterCredit: GettyTheir clash with the NWSL team comes four days after the club signed Sweden forward Rosa Kafaji from BK HackenCredit: GettyTonight the WSL side take on Washington Spirit in the United States in their first game of their first pre-season tour across the pond.  The Gunners will also face title-holders Chelsea on August 25 in the first meeting of the sides since Sonia Bompastor began her role as the Blues new head coach in July.  Their clash with Chelsea could offer a glimpse of a new look for the side attack following the arrivals of Spain and Sweden forwards Mariona Caldentey and Rosa Kafaji.The duo sealed summer transfers from Barcelona and BK Hacken to the Women’s League Cup holders with with Cloe Lacasse and WSL record scorer Vivianne Miedema leaving the club.Read More Football StoriesAlong with full-back Emily Fox and centre-back Laia Codina, Caldentey will join the squad on Monday after their duel with Washington Spirit. Eidevall, who guided Arsenal to League Cup wins this year and last year, said: “We need to see which players gel best with each other and what relationships we can develop.”That’s the process that we’re starting here (the US) now.”We haven’t had any sessions with the whole squad yet.Most read in Football”The whole squad (of 29) will probably be here on the 20th, so that process does not really start until then. We need to use the time very wisely.”It’s not only with our forward line but other units have players with different qualities too.“I think that’s really exciting because we have one way of playing but we can shape that in forms that are going to be as optimal as possible through game-state or opponent.”Arsenal’s duels with Chelsea and Washington Spirit, who are managed by former Barcelona head coach Jonatan Giraldez, will be followed by them facing Rangers in a Champions League qualifier.The Gunners will host the Scottish Women’s Premier League in the first round clash to qualify for the contest’s group stage on September 4thThe winners of this one-off match will take on the victors of a clash between Atletico Madrid and Norwegian side Rosenborg BK in a bid to reach the next stageWith his side suffering an unexpected qualifier knockout loss to Paris FC last term, Eidevall is keen to see them get off to a flier this year.He adds: “We’re only playing one game, so it’s not a two-legged qualifier which is very different.”You could see that in the game against Paris when we were knocked out. Eidevall hopes to guide his team through the Champions League qualifiers to the contest’s group stage this seasonCredit: Getty”The stress of conceding a goal in the second half is totally different compared to if you were playing a return leg.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The reaction of the team is going to be way different which makes the margins much smaller in these games.”We need to start fast to get those margins on the right side for us and we need to get the right answers against Washington so we have a good foundation to build from.” More

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      ‘I’m the one who puts more pressure on me’, says Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor as she targets Blues glory in Europe

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      SONIA BOMPASTOR sees becoming Chelsea boss as coming out of her comfort zone with the Blues embarking on a new era under her.Guiding the team to the Champions League prize that eluded them during Emma Hayes’ trophy-laden reign is the ex-Lyon gaffer’s a top priority. Sonia Bompastor intends to instil her football vision and philosophy at ChelseaCredit: GettyThe former Lyon head coach is aiming to win every trophy the Blues will vying for in her first season at the WSL title-holders’ helmCredit: GettyThe France-born Chelsea boss has set her sights on turning Chelsea into Champions League winnersThe France-born mother-of-four is the first woman to win contest both as a player and a manager.And next season will be the Blues’ first of the post-Hayes era following their former boss becoming USA Women’s head coach at the end of last term after 12 years at the helm.In her first Chelsea press conference yesterday, Bompastor talked of her admiration of Hayes’ legacy.Aside from attempting to add an eighth top-flight trophy to the seven the Blues lifted under her predecessor, she is determined to see them claim Europe’s top club football prize.Read More Football StoriesAnd while she respects the foundations Hayes put in place, she intends to build Chelsea in her own vision as she attempts to achieve this goal.Bompastor, who was appointed as Blues boss in May on a four-year deal, said: “I am a completely different person from Emma.”I have a different vision and philosophy. I’m just trying to build on that legacy. “For me what is really important is to come to this club, respect everything that was built before and build my own vision.Most read in Football”From my background and experience, I can support the players and the club to achieve their goals.”I will use everyone to make sure we bring what we need to bring to make sure this team keeps performing at a high level.”Next week Chelsea embark on their first pre-season tour in the USA a month before Bompastor’s first WSL game at their helm on September 22 when her team host Aston Villa. An August 20 clash with Gotham City will be followed by a duel with Arsenal five days later, a warm-up to them battling for next season’s title along with their domestic rivals. The games will also provide an insight into the approach and mindset of the new Blues chief who hates losing.Her ultra-competitive edge has been highlighted by players managed by her in the past. They include Aston Villa playmaker Kenza Dali who was coached by Bompastor in Lyon’s academy at the age of 16.Dali, describes as someone who knows exactly what it takes to win.An individual whose fierce competitive edge helped her triumph in the Champions League twice as a player in 2011 and 2012, and once as a manager in 2022.Bompastor, adds: “As a manager I am really competitive and I don’t like losing. I’m a really bad loser and I never want it to happen.“I will work really hard to make sure we are not in that position but sometimes it can happen.“I am a manager who really likes to take care of people as well.“When you are a player you always take care of yourself and sometimes you are selfish.“As a manager, you never think about you, you always think about everyone else.”Since retiring 11 years ago after a 13-year senior playing career, including two Lyon spells, Bompastor helped her the club maintain their dominance in France’s top tier.Three successive titles were won during her three seasons coaching Lyon’s senior side from 2021, after seven years managing their women’s academy.The team also lifted a Champions League trophy in May 2022 beating Barcelona 3-1 in the final.Winning this tournament with Chelsea is high on Bompastor’s agenda aside from a capturing every major domestic prize in England.And the challenge of doing so at a club who have sacked three men’s team managers since May 2022, is not a concern for her.The Chelsea chief said: “Even if the club puts me under some pressure, I’m the one who puts even more pressure on me.“I’ve signed for four years and four years is a good time for me to come and put (forward) my own philosophy and vision. “Sometimes it’s good to come out of your comfort zone and have this new challenge. For me the goal is really clear.“I had the opportunity to win the Champions League in France, but I wanted to come to a club who has the ambitions to win the Champions League and in a new country.”In the past Bompastor’s predecessor Hayes did not shy away from criticising match scheduling amid concerns fixture congestion could impact players’ welfare.Last November the Blues played three games in seven daysThese included a Saturday lunchtime duel with Liverpool preceded a Wednesday night Champions League clash away at Real Madrid.The team have a Champions League group game (on October 8 or 9) sandwiched between two of their biggest fixtures these coming season. These are a home game against Man United on October 6 and a clash with Arsenal at the Emirates on October 13.And Bompastor has no qualms about making her “voice heard” on fixture scheduling concerns. The Chelsea chief said: “Something what will be really difficult is when you have to play a Champions League game midweek, and then have to play a very big game on weekends against Arsenal, Manchester City, or Man United.”This is something really hard, because you need to perform during one week with three competitive games.”It’s really difficult sometimes for the players to be able to perform with not a lot of recovery between the games.”This is really different from France. Five-time Champions League winner Lucy Bronze is among the four new players signed by Chelsea following Bompastor’s arrivalCredit: Getty “In France, the French (football) federation was helping the French clubs a lot, especially the ones who are playing the Champions League.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They were the ones making sure Lyon were not playing a big team in the league to help us to perform in the Champions League.”This is maybe something we will need to work on with the FA. I will try to use my voice.” More

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      ‘We’ll go down in history as one of the best teams in Europe’, says Barcelona’s Lucy Bronze

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      LUCY BRONZE hailed Alexia Putellas’s classy cameo after Barcelona ended their run of Champions League final losses to Lyon in style. The midfielder’s late strike clinched a 2-0 win with incoming Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor enduring defeat in her last Lyon game. Barcelona’s 2-0 victory resulted in them winning the Women’s Champions League for a third timeCredit: GettyBronze was among her team’s standout players in the hardfought contestCredit: GettyAlexia Putellas’s injury-time strike secured the 2-0 victory for her side with Lyon pushing for a late levellerCredit: GettySonia Bompastor saw her final game in Europe at Lyon’s helm end in defeatCredit: GettyAnd Bronze, who shone in defence for Barca, became the first English player to triumph in five Women’s Champions League finals following three wins during her three-year spell at Lyon.After the game the Lioness full-back told DAZN: “We needed to be a club that really made history. “It’s hard to win it once, but to do it back-to-back, Lyon showed how difficult it is. This team has finally done that. “We’ll go down in history as one of the best teams in Europe.”Read More Football StoriesThe 190th Barca goal netted by two-time Ballon d’Or winner Putellas sealed a fairytale finish to a season disrupted by knee issues for the midfielder. Her team claimed back-to-back trophy wins in the contest for the first time in their history. Their third triumph in four years in the competition’s decider led to eight-time winners Lyon falling to their first defeat in seven finals.  Both sides had three shots on target between them in a hardfought first-half. Most read in FootballLyon skipper Wendi Renard volleyed against the post in the 15th minute and Mariona Caldentey saw her effort cleared off the line 14 minutes later. Aitana Bonmati broke the deadlock with an angled strike deflected home off Lyon defender Vanessa Gilles.Aitana Bonmati sixth Champions League goal this season gave her side a 1-0 lead in the 63rd minuteCredit: GettyAnd Putellas, who signed a new two-year deal with Barca this week, fired in a thunderous finish over goalkeeper Christiane Endler to put the result beyond doubt. Bronze added: “She’s the queen of Barcelona for a reason. “She’s had to work really hard to get back fit. She showed why she’s a two-time Ballon d’Or winner.” More

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      ‘Nothing is too big for Sonia Bompastor’, says Aston Villa’s Kenza Dali of her former Lyon academy coach

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      KENZA DALI is relishing seeing Sonia Bompastor step “out of the comfort zone” with the Lyon chief expected to become Chelsea boss.And the Aston Villa ace, 32, expects Lyon will overcome Barcelona when they battle for the Women’s Champions League crown today.Sonia Bompastor hopes to guide Lyon to a ninth Women’s Champions League trophy winCredit: GettyBarcelona hope to beat Lyon in a final of the contest for the first in their historyCredit: GettyKenza Dali reckons Bompastor could be a success at the helm of ChelseaCredit: GettyThe duel between the nine-time champs of Spain’s top-flight and Dali’s old club is the third decider in six years to be fought between the rivals. The 5:00pm fixture, at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, will be Jonatan Giraldez’s last game as Barcelona boss before he takes over as head coach of US women’s club Washington Spirit.  It will also be Bompastor’s final match at the helm of Lyon who hold the record for the most Women’s Champions League trophy wins with eight in their cabinet.The France-born head coach, 43, was reportedly identified as a top target to succeed Emma Hayes as manager of Chelsea. Read More Football StoriesThis week the ex-Blues chief began her new role as USA Women’s head coach after guiding her old side to a seventh Women’s Super League title. And her old club are expected to announce Bompastor as the new gaffer of their WSL team in the near future following today’s Champions League final.Nothing is too big for her. If she comes to England to coach one of the best teams in a completely different environment, then she’s really being out of her comfort zoneKenza Dali on Sonia Bompastor Dali, whose senior club career includes Lyon stints from 2009-2010 and 2016 to 2018, said: “Sonia needs to be challenged and she loves new challenges. Nothing is too big for her.”If she comes to England to coach one of the best teams in a completely different environment, then she’s really being out of her comfort zone. Most read in Football”The French (style of football) management is completely different from the English management.”I know both sides, and I’m always surprised how different it is for a French coach to manage an English team.”But I think she will able to do it and if she’s going there (Chelsea) it’s going to be very interesting to see her out of the comfort zone.”Dali, born in the town of Sainte-Colombe, in eastern France, began her playing career in Lyon’s academy in 2005 before joining the club’s senior section in 2009.The midfielder, who has started in 37 top-flight games for Villa, had Bompastor as her academy coach at the age of 16. She describes the former left-back, who captained Lyon to Champions League titles in 2011 and 2012, as having the club’s will to win in her DNA. In two spells as Lyon’s head coach Bompastor has guided the team to seven major trophy wins. These include three top-flight crowns and a Champions League triumph.Dali, who played for West Ham and Everton from 2019 before her 2022 Villa move added: “Sonia was an unbelievable player and left-back, so competitive.”She was the academy coach and was one of my coaches when I was there when I was 16. “When I was training with her when I was still young, I remember how competitive she was.  She’s a coach who has the DNA of Lyon”You can see that if you watch Lyon’s (Champions League semi-final) win against Paris Saint-Germain. “On the bench, she was crazy because as a player, she was like that. “She just brings this competitiveness to the team and has a lot of big players to manage and not a lot of managers can do that.”Everything and every decision in Lyon is on purpose. “Having a coach that knows exactly what it takes to win, the politics at Lyon and how things are done is a strategy as well from the club.”Today’s clash will see Barcelona battle for Europe’s elite club football prize for the fourth time since 2019. While previous triumphs saw them thrash Chelsea 4-0 and beat Wolfsburg 3-2, the nine-time La Liga Women’s champs are yet to beat Lyon in a final.The French side have been a nemesis for their opponents with star striker Ada Hegerberg punishing their defence. The Norway star has scored four goals in two finals against Barca with Lyon clinching 4-1 and 3-1 victories in 2019 and 2022. Victory tomorrow would see them become Champions League top dogs for the ninth time.Dali, who today attended a WePlayStrong event in Bilbao as part of a Uefa campaign celebrating women’s football, added: “Everyone is talking a lot about Barcelona.”They are an unbelievable team, but Lyon have beaten them in a final recently and will want to make a point again.”In my head the only team that can beat Lyon today is maybe Barcelona. “But Lyon have a lot of quality and can really hurt Barcelona in the way they play.  “Sometimes Barcelona over possesses the ball, but Lyon can also be a team in possession. Dali reckons Lindsay Horan, Melchie Dumornay and Delphine Cascarino could be among biggest threats for Lyon against BarcelonaCredit: Getty”They can really hurt them with forwards like Melchie Dumornay and Delphine Cascarino.  “They also have some unbelievable players like Selma Bacha and Amel Majri.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s going to be a really interesting game.”Barcelona vs Lyon in the Women’s Champions League final can be watched live from 5:00pm today on DAZN’s YouTube channel. More