London City Beat Manchester United as Putellas Starts WSL Chapter

London City Lionesses opened their Women's Super League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Manchester United at the sold-out home of Bromley FC on Friday. The Guardian reported that Alexia Putellas captained London City in her first league appearance for the club, beginning a new phase of her career after leaving Barcelona.

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The hosts went ahead after nine minutes. Alanna Kennedy challenged for the ball and put pressure on Julia Zigiotti Olme, whose attempted intervention sent it into her own net. London City continued to play on the front foot and finished with 60% of possession, while United managed three shots, according to the match report.

London City's second goal came after a corner from Mapi León. The move eventually reached Delphine Cascarino, and Daniëlle van de Donk redirected the French forward's cross into the far corner. United pulled one back deep into added time when Simi Awujo struck a loose ball after a free-kick had been cleared, but the reply came too late to alter the result.

Putellas, a two-time Ballon d'Or winner, was one of several prominent names in London City's lineup as the club began its second WSL season. Manager Eder Maestre said her value extends beyond her own performance because of the standards and leadership she brings, while also stressing that the team's collective connection and developing chemistry were central to the win.

Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps was among the London City substitutes, with Elene Lete selected to start. Maestre said Earps had experienced issues during preseason that affected the consistency of her match involvement and added that Lete had earned the place. Lucía Corrales was carried off on a stretcher late in the game after overstretching for the ball; the report did not specify the nature or severity of any injury.

The defeat marked a difficult league debut for new Manchester United manager Eva Olid. She said her players did not show enough belief in the first half but felt they began to resemble her intended team after the interval, when they built through central areas and found players between the lines. United now move on from an opening loss, while London City begin with three points and a notable home result.