London City Lionesses kicked off their glittering new chapter and the 2026/27 campaign with a convincing 2-1 victory against Manchester United, establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with. The match, held at Hayes Lane, was highlighted by the debut of two‑time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas, whose arrival sparked a sell‑out crowd and added extra glamour to the occasion. However, the opening goal came not from the Spanish star but from an unfortunate own goal by Julia Zigiotti.
The sequence began when Zigiotti found herself locked in a tussle with United defender Alanna Kennedy inside the penalty area. In the scramble, Zigiotti inadvertently nudged a header into her own net, handing London City the first goal of the season.
The mishap set the tone for a game in which the hosts quickly seized control and never looked back. From that point, London City dictated the tempo, keeping United at a safe distance and limiting their attacking opportunities.
The midfield, anchored by the newly arrived Putellas, orchestrated fluid passing moves that stretched the United defense. Their dominance was further underscored by a moment of individual brilliance from Dutch veteran Danielle van de Donk, who, with a deft flick, doubled the Lionesses' lead in the 82nd minute. Van de Donk's skillful maneuver not only showcased her technical ability but also cemented the win with less than ten minutes remaining on the clock.
Manchester United managed a late consolation through substitute Simi Awujo, who slotted home a goal in stoppage time (90+10). It was United's sole shot on target and served as a reminder of the gulf in quality between the two squads. The Lionesses' roster, now bolstered by fresh talent such as Rosa Kafaji, Mapi Leon, Putellas, and Janni Thomsen, demonstrated why they are being hailed as a new powerhouse in women's football.
Notably, England goalkeeper Mary Earps and French forward Kadidiatou Diani remained unused on the bench, underscoring the depth of the squad. Key match events included: - 9': Zigiotti's own goal gave London City an early advantage. - 49': Kafaji forced a spectacular save from United keeper Tullis‑Joyce with a long‑range effort.
- 64': Lucia Corrales limped off after sustaining a shoulder injury. - 82': Van de Donk's elegant flick doubled the lead, effectively sealing the three points. - 90+10': Awujo's late strike provided United's only goal of the night. The victory was celebrated by owner Michele Kang, who watched the proceedings from the stands, and by head coach Eder Maestre, who praised his team's performance.
Maestre emphasized the importance of starting the season with a win to build confidence, noting, "We were dominant throughout the game and deserved this result. It sets the tone for the upcoming fixtures and reflects the identity we want to project.
Taking calculated risks and playing together are values that will guide us forward. We're now one step closer to our targets and I couldn't be happier." Manchester United manager Eva Olid, on the other hand, expressed disappointment with her side's first‑half display, stating, "We were not ourselves in the opening period. Nothing we had practiced materialised.
At halftime I urged the players to regain confidence, belief, and to show desire for the ball. The second half showed improvement, but a full 90 minutes of that intensity is needed." Beyond the on‑field action, the match featured several ancillary notes. Fans were repeatedly reminded to use the Chrome browser for an optimal video‑player experience, ensuring accessibility and smooth streaming.
The game also served as a platform for the Super 6 competition, offering participants a chance to win a £1 million prize, with free entry available to all. In summary, London City Lionesses' 2-1 win over Manchester United not only marked a successful start to a star‑laden era but also highlighted the growing disparity in talent and depth between the two clubs. With a blend of seasoned internationals and promising newcomers, the Lionesses appear poised to challenge for top honours this season, while United must regroup and address the shortcomings exposed in this opening encounter.
The match will be remembered as a statement of intent from a team that has clearly invested in quality and ambition, setting the stage for an exciting campaign ahead.