Manchester City Women kicked off their UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign in spectacular fashion, defeating reigning champions Barcelona 2-0 at the Joie Stadium. Goals from Naomi Layzell and Khadija Shaw sealed an impressive victory, marking Barcelona’s first defeat in six months.
From the opening whistle, Gareth Taylor’s side appeared unfazed by the stature of their opponents. Barcelona, one of the most formidable teams in women’s football, struggled to find their rhythm as City pressed high and dominated possession in the first half. The sell-out crowd at the Joie Stadium created an electric atmosphere, spurring City’s players to push the pace and take the game to the reigning champions.
City came close to breaking the deadlock multiple times in the opening half-hour. Lauren Hemp rattled the woodwork with a powerful strike, while Jessica Park saw her effort blocked from close range. The pressure on Barcelona’s defense was unrelenting as City continued to press forward, denying the Spanish side any clear opportunities to settle into their trademark passing game.
Despite City’s control, Barcelona still showed glimpses of danger. Ewa Pajor had the best chance for the visitors in the first half, pouncing on an under-hit back pass and rounding City goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita. However, a heroic goal-line clearance from Laia Aleixandri kept the scoreline level, preserving City’s dominance as they went in search of the opening goal.
Barcelona’s defense, led by captain Ona Batlle, was tested repeatedly, but City’s high-energy, direct approach limited the Catalan side’s usual build-up play. The reigning champions, who are used to controlling matches with their possession-based style, struggled to cope with City’s intensity.
City’s persistence finally paid off just before half-time. Naomi Layzell, who has been a key figure for City’s defense this season, found herself in the right place at the right time to open the scoring. After a Vivianne Miedema header caused chaos in the Barcelona box, Layzell reacted quickest to bundle the ball over the line, giving the home side a well-deserved 1-0 lead.
Layzell’s goal capped off an excellent first-half performance, with City taking a deserved lead into the break. The 20-year-old defender’s contributions on both ends of the pitch made her one of the standout players of the night, though her evening would later be cut short due to injury
The second half saw Barcelona try to regain control, but City’s defense remained resolute. Yamashita, in particular, was commanding in goal, making crucial saves to keep Barcelona at bay. Laia Aleixandri’s impressive performance at the back also ensured that City held their lead, frustrating Barcelona’s forwards.
City, however, didn’t sit back to defend their lead. They continued to push for a second goal, and their efforts were rewarded in the 77th minute when Khadija Shaw doubled the lead. Layzell, involved once again, played a perfectly weighted through ball to Shaw, who skipped past a Barcelona defender before rounding goalkeeper Cata Coll to slot the ball into the back of the net.
Shaw’s composure and clinical finishing put the game out of Barcelona’s reach. It was a well-deserved goal for the Jamaican striker, who has been in excellent form for City this season.
The only sour note for City came when Layzell, who had been instrumental in both goals, went down clutching her Achilles area shortly after Shaw’s goal. She was helped off the pitch by medical staff, raising concerns about a potentially serious injury. However, after the game, Gareth Taylor provided a positive update, saying that initial assessments suggested it was not a serious injury.
“My first instinct was I hope it’s not an Achilles,” Taylor said. “She seems to be okay. It looks more like a rolled ankle, and the physios are fairly positive.”
This win marks a significant moment for Manchester City in their Champions League campaign. Defeating Barcelona, a team that had not lost in six months and had been virtually unstoppable in European competition, is a massive confidence boost for Taylor’s side.
City’s defense, led by Yamashita and Aleixandri, was crucial in securing the clean sheet, while Layzell and Shaw delivered in the attack. The victory puts City in an excellent position as they move forward in Group D, with a strong belief that they can challenge Europe’s elite.
As for Barcelona, the reigning champions will need to regroup after this shock defeat. Despite flashes of their usual brilliance, they were unable to handle City’s intensity and will be eager to bounce back in the coming matches.
