Barcelona ace Aitana Bonmati says her team’s vast travel support could make a difference in the women’s Champions League final against French giants Lyon on Saturday.
Tens of thousands of Barça fans are expected to travel to Bilbao, with some estimates in the Spanish media of up to 40,000.
The defending champions face eight-time winners Lyon, who they have never beaten in four games, including the 2019 and 2022 finals.
“We are receiving support (at home), we know that many Barça fans are coming here to Bilbao, it is an honor to be part of this club,” Ballon d’Or winner Bonmati said at a press conference on Friday at the San Mames stadium .
“They know they are the 12th man and, as they always show, they are the player we need to win all these games.”
Barcelona set the two highest attendances in women’s football of all time when they sold out the Camp Nou on their way to the 2022 final.
“The most important thing is to win, but you also have to enjoy it, I have learned that over time”, continued Bonmati.
“Not just the game, but everything around it – we’re very lucky to survive this.”
Barcelona can complete a quadruple if they beat Lyon in what will be coach Jonatan Giraldez’s last game in charge before leaving to take charge of American team Washington Spirit.
“I am very proud of everything in my three years as coach,” said Giraldez, who led Barça to their second Champions League triumph in 2023.
“Playing in Spain, in this spectacular stadium, in the situation where we are with three national trophies in our pocket, playing in a Champions League final in San Mames with so many fans coming from Barcelona… coaching Barça is something very special for me.
“Working with these players and team makes me very proud, we are in the position we want and we have to play the best game possible tomorrow to become champions”.
Giraldez said he did not believe the final had been overshadowed by Barcelona president Joan Laporta’s decision to fire coach Xavi Hernandez on the eve of the game.
“We received the news, but we have training, life goes on, there is not much to say from our side because it is none of our business”, added the coach.
“I’ve already explained what we have to do tomorrow… the only thing that concerns us is getting ready to show that we are the best team in Europe.”
Lyon coach Sonia Bompastor has previously said that her team is “the best team in the world” in terms of success and that this will continue to be true even if Barcelona beat them.
The French team has seen its European dominance threatened by defending champions Barcelona in recent years, with the Catalans reaching four finals in five years.
– ‘No matter what happens’ –
“By titles, we are the best team in the world and we will continue to be no matter what happens tomorrow,” Bompastor told reporters.
“Tomorrow’s game is very important, we want to win, I’m very determined. I trust my players.”
Giraldez responded by saying that he respected his opponent’s words and that these two clubs are the “best in the world”.
Bompastor said striker Ada Hegerberg is fit to take part in the final as she continues her return from injury.
“Ada has been training normally in the last few weeks, she is getting stronger and stronger, everyone in this room knows her qualities,” said Bompastor.
“Her experience is invaluable and with a strong mind everything will be possible for Ada tomorrow.”
Lyon defender and captain Wendie Renard has played down rivalry rumors against Barcelona after some Catalan players said they were seeking “revenge” ahead of the game.
“For me there is no rivalry or animosity,” said the 33-year-old defender.
“When we start the campaign we have common objectives, which are to win as many games as possible… we are calm, calm and determined.
“We know why we came here and what we want as a collective, we are making a lot of sacrifices as a team and individually.”
rbs/jc
