London City Lionesses opened their Women's Super League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Manchester United at the Copperjax Community Stadium, giving Alexia Putellas a winning start to life in England.
The two-time Ballon d'Or winner made her debut for the club after joining from Barcelona over the summer, and she was on the pitch to see her new side control much of the contest, particularly in the opening 45 minutes. Manager Eder Maestre made history before kick-off by naming a starting XI containing no English players, believed to be the first time this has happened on an opening day of the WSL.
London City took the lead in the ninth minute in slightly fortuitous circumstances. A corner delivered into the box appeared initially to have been headed in by Alanna Kennedy, but it was later confirmed that Julia Zigiotti had actually turned the ball past goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce for what was recorded as an own goal.
United struggled to respond in the first half, with new head coach Eva Olid watching her side fail to register a single shot on target before the interval. London City continued to press and nearly doubled their advantage before the break, but Tullis-Joyce stood firm, producing a strong save to deny Kennedy after the restart and another to thwart an effort from Rosa Kafaji.
The home side did eventually add a second goal, though not until the 82nd minute, when Danielle van de Donk showed quality to beat Elene Lete with a clever flicked finish, seemingly putting the result beyond doubt.
There was a concerning moment for London City midway through the second half when Lucia Corrales had to be stretchered off the pitch shortly after the hour mark, casting a shadow over what was otherwise a positive night for the hosts.
Manchester United, who had toiled for large spells against a well-organised London City side, finally found a way through deep into stoppage time. Delphine Cascarino, who had been one of United's more threatening players as the game wore on, teed up Simi Awujo, whose finish in the 10th minute of added time proved to be United's only shot on target of the match. It set up a nervy finish, but London City held on to secure the three points.
The victory represents a statement of intent from London City Lionesses, who have invested heavily in their squad ahead of the new campaign, headlined by the marquee signing of Putellas. Her mere presence on the pitch alongside a squad built without a single English starter underlines the club's ambitions to challenge at the top end of the WSL table this season.
For Manchester United and Eva Olid, it was a difficult first outing in charge of the club in the English top flight. The visitors will look to build on the character shown in finding a late goal, but questions remain over their lack of attacking threat for large periods, particularly during a first half in which they failed to trouble Tullis-Joyce's opposite number at all.
With the season now underway, London City will hope this opening win can serve as a foundation for a strong campaign, while United will be eager to bounce back quickly as they seek to settle under their new manager.
Based on reporting from Independent (Football) and BBC Sport.