London City Lionesses started their star-studded era and the new season with a comfortable 2-1 win over Manchester United.<\/p>\n
Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas made her debut for the club but despite the Spain international drawing a sell-out crowd at Hayes Lane, it was an own goal from Julia Zigiotti that opened the scoring.<\/p>\n
The midfielder wrestled with Alanna Kennedy in the box before inadvertently guiding a header into the back of her own net to score the first goal of the 2026\/27 campaign.<\/p>\n
London City cruised into control of the fixture from there on, keeping United at arm’s length throughout, before a moment of magic from Danielle van de Donk with a neat flick doubled the lead and sealed all three points for the hosts with under 10 minutes to go.<\/p>\n
United substitute Simi Awujo tucked away a late consolation goal with virtually the last kick of the game and their only shot on target, highlighting the chasm in standards between the two sides with the talent London City now have at their disposal.<\/p>\n
Rosa Kafaji, Mapi Leon, Putellas and Janni Thomsen were the new names included and impressed – while Mary Earps and Kadidiatou Diani were unused on the bench – as an exciting new era got off to the perfect start while owner Michele Kang watched from the stands.<\/p>\n
The key moments from Hayes Lane…<\/h3>\n
9: GOAL!<\/strong> Zigiotti’s own goal gives London City the lead<\/p>\n 49: SAVE! <\/strong>Kafaji forces a good save from Tullis-Joyce with a long-range shot<\/p>\n 64: INJURY!<\/strong> Lucia <\/strong>Corrales goes off injured while clutching shoulder<\/p>\n 82: SUPERB! <\/strong>Van den Donk’s flick doubles London City’s lead to seal three points<\/p>\n 90+10: CONSOLATION! <\/strong>Awujo grabs late goal with United’s only shot on target<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n WATCH: All the goals from Hayes Lane!<\/h3>\n
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