Harder vs. Hansen: After two losses, only one can win first Champions League

Caroline Graham Hansen and Pernille Mosegaard Harder. Two of the best players on the planet with one thing in common: they're both desperate to win their first Champions League. They have both lost two finals with Wolfsburg. The title still resists them. But, on Sunday, one of them will finally lift it.

Dynamite at Wolfsburg

Hansen and Harder played together in Germany between 2018 and 2019. Hansen had already been at the German club for three years and had already tasted defeat in a final when the Dane joined her. Harder came from Swedish side Linköpings to form one of the most dangerous attacking duos in Europe with Hansen.

Feared by rival defences, they won the double in Germany in their first season together but lost the Champions League final to Lyon after extra-time 4-1. They repeated the double the following season, but their journey in Europe was shorter. This time Lyon beat them in the last eight.

Hansen to Barcelona

That summer of 2019, Hansen signed for Barça, fulfilling a dream she'd had since she was little. She even had a Rivaldo shirt growing up. With the Norway star, Barça took the next step towards excellence. The majority of Barça's goals are born from her boots, even if she doesn't score them -- it's her assists and brilliance on the wing that cause the problems for opponents.

She helped Barça reach the semifinals of the Champions League last term. But Barça were beaten. The rival? Wolfsburg. Barça showed that they could now live with the elite, but it was the Germans, with a goal from Rolfo, who reached the final. A final in which Lyon were once again the victors.

Harder to Chelsea

After another final defeat, this one without Hansen, Harder decided to chance scenery and was attracted the project being build at Chelsea. She became the most expensive transfer in the history of the women's game at around 350,000 eruos. With Harder, Chelsea finalised a sensational attacking trio: Harder, Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby. They have won the league and the cup in England and are now in their first-ever Champions League final.

Decisive players

Hansen and Harder have played a big role in helping their respective sides to Sunday's showdown in Gothenburg. Hansen, with two goals and five assists in eight European games, is a constant source of fun and creativity down the right. Harder, with four goals and one assists, has quickly adapted to her new team.

And now they meet again. This time as rivals in a Champions League final, not friends and teammates. They've seen their dreams quashed twice before at this stage and neither want to miss this third chance. Barça's 16 against Chelsea's 23. Only one of them can win.

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