The Women's Super League season opened with a statement victory for London City Lionesses, who defeated Manchester United 2-1 in front of a sold-out crowd of 5,402 at Bromley FC. The match marked the debut of two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas, who captained the home side in a performance that underscored the club's rapid rise since breaking away from Millwall seven years ago.
Putellas brings star power to Bromley
Putellas, who joined from Barcelona after winning a fourth Champions League title, led the team out to a hero's welcome. The former Spain international, known for her custom of picking up the coin after the toss, is now adapting to a squad not drilled in the specific style of play she was accustomed to at the Catalan club. At 32, her best years may be behind her, but her presence has already transformed the club's profile, with the fixture broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Owner Michele Kang, who walked the perimeter of the stadium before kick-off taking photos with fans in her 'Kang 27' shirt, has committed to giving female athletes the best of everything, including a planned new world-class training facility. This investment contrasts sharply with Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, whose references to the women's team have been described as dismal.
London City dominate from the start
The home side pressed aggressively from the opening minutes, with Lucía Corrales forcing a save from Phallon Tullis-Joyce inside four minutes. The breakthrough came in the ninth minute when Alanna Kennedy's header from Janni Thomsen's corner was turned into his own net by Swedish midfielder Julia Zigiotti Olme. London City continued to dominate, with Tullis-Joyce making two crucial saves from Kennedy and Rosa Kafaji shortly before the hour mark.
Manchester United, under new manager Eva Olid, struggled to contain the hosts, conceding more than 60% possession and failing to register a shot on target. The visitors' summer transfer window was described as lacklustre, and with Chelsea and Arsenal up next, Olid faces a daunting start to her tenure.
Van de Donk seals the win
The result was sealed when Daniëlle van de Donk flicked Delphine Cascarino's cross into the far corner from Mapi León's corner. Simi Awujo scored a late consolation for United deep into added time, powering in a loose ball after a free-kick was cleared, but it could not dampen the enthusiasm of an emphatic display from Maestre's side.
London City's performance was a reflection of Kang's commitment, with the team playing with the joy and aggression that manager Eder Maestre described as "related to all those things we felt when we were playing football as children." The win provides a solid foundation for the season ahead, while United will need to regroup quickly with a challenging run of fixtures looming.
