Wiegman counts on strong Wolfsburg, but: ‘Expect Barcelona to dominate’

“I think it will be a match of a very high level. Wolfsburg is a top club in Germany and Barcelona has been dominating at home and in Europe for a long time,” observed Sarina Wiegman, current England national coach.

The Catalans’ impressive numbers speak volumes in that regard. Including the current season in Spain, Barcelona lost only twice in the national league in four years.

The Champions League reached the final for the third consecutive year. In 2021 Chelsea were beaten 4-0 in the final match, last year Olympique Lyonnais proved too strong for Barcelona (1-3). Now awaits Wolfsburg, who triumphed 1-0 in the semifinals three years ago.

Goal scorer back then? Fridolina Rolfö, who a year later traded Wolfsburg for Barcelona.

Wolfsburg had to leave the national title to Bayern Munich in Germany this season, but did capture the national cup. Barcelona therefore starts the encounter in Eindhoven as the big favorite.

“I expect Barcelona to be more on the ball, that they will be the superior side,” Wiegman indicated.

She is an attentive spectator at the Philips Stadium today, watching Barcelona play English internationals Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh.

“Of course, I’m also watching as a national coach,” said Wiegman, who captured the European Championship title with England last year. “It’s also a kind of preparation for the upcoming World Cup. I hope Lucy and Keira will do well.”

The fact that the final match will take place in Eindhoven makes Wiegman, who won the 2017 European Championship with the Netherlands at home, feel positive. “Of course, great. A full stadium, two top clubs facing each other. This is going to get people excited.”

“That it sold out says something about the status of women’s soccer right now. Perhaps more people would have liked to come. I heard a lot around me if there were still tickets. That’s where we want to go.”