Manchester City’s emphatic win against Barcelona marked the beginning of their Women’s Champions League campaign, showcasing their ability to challenge Europe’s elite.
England defender Naomi Layzell took center stage with a goal and an assist, helping City secure a 2-0 triumph at Joie Stadium, stunning the defending champions.
Manager Gareth Taylor praised his team’s aggressive and intense display, which saw Barcelona struggle to respond on a chilly Manchester evening.
Reflecting on the performance, Taylor remarked, “It’s right up there, definitely,” when asked if it was one of his standout moments as manager. He highlighted the team’s dominance in the first half, saying, “We could have been 3-0 or 4-0 up due to the chances we created and the pressure we applied.”
Despite City’s confident start, Taylor remained cautious, reminding everyone that the journey is just beginning. When asked if City could win the competition, he responded with a simple but powerful “Yes.” However, he acknowledged the tough road ahead, noting that this was only the first step in a long journey. “We are super-honoured to be in the competition and enjoying the journey,” he added.
A Victory That Will Be Remembered
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain hailed City’s victory as a “huge statement” to the rest of Europe, adding, “They didn’t just win by luck; they fully deserved it.” She emphasized the lasting impact of the result, noting, “It’s a performance that will be talked about for a long time.”
A city set the tone early, pressing Barcelona and putting constant pressure on their defence and goalkeeper, Cata Coll. Layzell was relentless on the right flank, while Lauren Hemp, Khadija Shaw, and Yui Hasegawa created a formidable force across the pitch.
Barcelona, typically composed and dominant, looked unsettled and failed to find their rhythm. Layzell’s well-timed pass to Shaw in the second half sealed the victory, leaving Barcelona with little chance of recovery.
But as Chamberlain pointed out, City’s challenge now is consistency. “If you want to talk about winning competitions, it can’t be a one-off performance. It’s got to be maintained,” she warned.
Barcelona Rattled, But the Journey Continues
Barcelona’s manager Pere Sunyer acknowledged City’s strength, admitting his players struggled with their pressing. “We know Manchester City have great players, and they showed that in the first half,” said Sunyer. Despite the setback, he remains confident Barcelona can bounce back, with five more group games to come. “This team will continue getting better,” he assured.
BBC Radio 5 Live commentator Vicki Sparks noted how rarely Barcelona had been rattled like this. “I’ve never seen them look this shaken for such a sustained period,” she commented.
Although Barcelona remains the favourite to defend their title, City’s performance will undoubtedly have made others sit up and take notice. Sunyer said, “Manchester City will be right up there.”
As the competition unfolds, City will need to channel their inner resilience and consistency, and qualities echoed in the famous words of Muhammad Ali: “The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses—behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.” City’s road to the final has just begun, and this victory may well be the foundation for greater achievements.
