The favorites to win the women’s Champions League final look unbeatable—but a young American helps give their challengers a shot.
Joining Hegerberg and Macario in the attack is young French forward Melvine Malard, who has nearly as many league goals as Macario, and has added three goals and three assists in European competition. Behind her, Macario has the support of French legend Amandine Henry and USWNT teammate Lindsey Horan in midfield and France’s World Cup center back pairing of Wendie Renard and Griedge Mbock Bathy in defense.
Last season, it beat English champions Chelsea 4–0 in the Champions League final, the sort of win that, in hindsight, heralds the dawn of a new era. It has taken all comers. No one has even come close. There’s levels to this.Macario may be surpassing expectations barely more than a year after joining Lyon, but Barcelona’s leading scorer is the world’s best player.