Aitana Bonmati regrets Ullevaal Stadion choice as Ada Hegerberg responds | OneFootball

Aitana Bonmati has questioned the suitability of Oslo’s Ullevaal Stadion for Saturday’s Champions League final against OL Lyonnes, arguing the smaller venue represents a step back.

“I have nothing against Norway, it is a fantastic country to me, but it is clear the conditions are different from other years. We talk about filling big stadiums, so I think it is a step back to play in a much smaller ground than usual,” she told RAC1.

The Ullevaal Stadion holds 28,000 and is set to be full for the 18:00 kick-off, with about 600 OL Lyonnes supporters expected. The Barcelona midfielder, a three-time Ballon d’Or in 2023, 2024 and 2025, also said many fans would miss out and that travel to Oslo is arduous for her own guests.

On Friday, Norway-born Ada Hegerberg was asked about Bonmati’s remarks, calling them a strong assertion. She said the occasion is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Norwegian football and that the match will set a national attendance record, adding a major event in Oslo could inspire new generations.

Hegerberg added that if players can inspire some girls and boys to play, it would be a big step forward. She called the game an incredible opportunity to keep believing in the sport and to invest in stadiums, something once unimaginable for Norwegian football.

Source: L'Équipe