Manchester City Masterclass Shocks Barcelona in UWCL

Manchester City Women provided a Champions League masterclass to reigning champions Barcelona at a sold out Joie Stadium.

An energetic display from City stunned the Barcelona team and put down a marker that they will be serious contenders in the competition.

Goals from Layzell and Shaw confounded Barca to their first defeat since Chelsea beat them 1-0 in April 2024. City came started the game with a high intensity, carving out several early chances.

Barcelona nearly grabbed the first goal when a mistake from the City goalkeeper Yamashita. Pajor seemingly had an open net to aim for and only a brilliant last ditch block from Aleixandri kept the ball out of the goal.

Layzell puts City ahead

Shortly afterwards, Jess Park’s effort looked goal bound but Cata Coll pulled off a stunning save to push the ball around the post. The resulting corner lead to City’s first goal, with Miedema heading the corner back across goal with Layzell poking the ball into the Barca net.

Hasegawa bossed the midfield, making numerous interceptions to keep the likes of Bonmati, Putellas and Patri at bay. 

The second half saw Barcelona dominate possession but some dogged defending from City prevented them fro turning their chances into goals.

Shaw makes it 2-0

Who else but Bunny Shaw secured the win for Manchester City, with a defence-splitting run and powerful surge towards goal. Shaw took her chance clinically, and Barcelona headed back to Spain with a disappointing loss.

Despite Barcelona having 17 chances, City’s determination ensured that there was no breakthrough goal for the visitors. A combination of well-timed blocks and poor shooting on Barcelona’s behalf presented City with the opportunity to finish the game off.

Full time result: Manchester City 2 – 0 Barcelona