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Barca start Pina, Arsenal bench Mead in women's Champions League final

Barcelona coach Pere Romeu starts with Claudia Pina on the left wing in the women's Champions League final against Arsenal on Saturday in Lisbon, leaving Salma Paralluelo on the bench.

Meanwhile his counterpart Renee Slegers opts for Chloe Kelly on the right wing over Beth Mead as Arsenal bid to win the competition for the first time since 2007.

Pina is Barcelona's top scorer this season in the Champions League with 10 goals and earned her place over Spain international Paralluelo.

The Catalans, who boast two-time Ballon d'Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas in midfield, also line up with Fridolina Rolfo chosen at left-back over Esmee Brugts.

Barca, aiming for a third consecutive triumph and a fourth in five years, are at full strength.

Arsenal, back in the final for the first time since they lifted the trophy 18 years ago, start with Daphne van Domselaar in goal, who is preferred to Manuela Zinsberger.

The Dutch goalkeeper was hurt in April after injury and has only played once since.

Kelly starts on the right wing, and former Barcelona star and Women's Super League player of the year Mariona Caldentey is in midfield.

The Spaniard and her team-mate Alessia Russo, who leads the line, are the joint second top scorers in the competition with seven goals each.

Starting line-ups at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon (kick-off 1600 GMT):

Barcelona (4-3-3)

Cata Coll; Ona Batlle, Irene Paredes, Mapi Leon, Fridolina Rolfo; Aitana Bonmati, Patri Guijarro, Alexia Putellas; Caroline Graham Hansen, Ewa Pajor, Claudia Pina  

Coach: Pere Romeu (ESP)

Arsenal (4-3-3)

Daphne van Domselaar; Emily Fox, Leah Williamson, Stephanie Catley, Katie McCabe; Frida Maanum, Kim Little, Mariona Caldentey; Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo, Caitlin Foord  

Coach: Renee Slegers (NED)

Referee: Ivana Martincic (CRO)

rbs/pi

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