Katia convinced Lyon's time has come

In near-perfect French, Brazil forward Katia revealed just how much winning the UEFA Women's Champions League means to her.

"[Of all my trophies] this will be the top because I have been aiming for this one for a long time," the Olympique Lyonnais striker said ahead of Thursday's final against 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez in Getafe.

After twice being on the losing side with Lyon in semi-finals in the past two seasons, missing out again does not bear considering. "There is no question about it, this is the trophy I lack," Katia said.

Blocking her way, Katia again finds herself up against a German team, bringing back painful memories of Brazil's 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup final defeat by the Frauen-Nationalmannschaft.

"It's true I've known the Germans for a long time," she said, but feels the cycle of defeats could soon be brought to an end. "It's a difficult match. Some people say they are the favourites, but we have a chance because we are a very strong team."

Katia is the most experienced player in the Lyon side – Postdam goalkeeper Anna Felicitas Sarholz was just three when the Brazilian took part in her first Women's World Cup – and the 33-year-old striker has scored a number of decisive goals this season.

Katia's headed winner late in the semi-final first leg against Umeå IK separated the sides over two legs and she boasts some of the most impressive statistics in France and Europe: 59 goals in 59 matches in domestic competition since arriving at Lyon in 2007.

Equally compelling, she sports the biggest smile in the OL women's team. "I like to see the girls relaxed," she says. "For games like this you have to have a bit of fun, it doesn't hurt." It is the sort of comment that has won her the title of the warmest player on the club's official website.

Katia was certainly beaming as she spoke to the press on Wednesday evening, happy to recall past success in Spain. "I have good memories coming back here," she said. In 2005 with Levante UD she won the Spanish Women's Cup; on Thursday an even greater prize is at stake.