Manchester City’s victory over Barcelona was just the start of their Women’s Champions League challenge – but it showed what they are capable of.
England defender Naomi Layzell stole the limelight with a goal and an assist as Manchester City stunned the defending champions with a 2-0 win at Joie Stadium.
Gareth Taylor’s side were aggressive and full of intensity as Barcelona struggled to cope on a cold evening in Manchester.
“It’s right up there, definitely,” said Taylor, when asked if the performance was one of the best of his time in charge.
“The performance in the first half especially was top. We knew at some point we would have to weather the storm and we did that tremendously well.
“I felt we could have been 3-0 or 4-0 up in the first half due to the opportunities we created and the pressure we put on them.”
There is clearly belief from Taylor that City can go all the way in the competition, despite this being their first appearance in the group stage since 2021.
Asked by DAZN if City could win it, he simply replied: “Yes.”
But he is wary of the level of opposition and sent a reminder to those watching that this was just one game of what they hope will be a long journey to the final.
“We have taken a step forward tonight. We are super-honoured to be in the competition and enjoying the journey,” he added.
‘A result talked about for a long time’
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain described City’s win as a “huge statement” to Europe’s elite.
“They didn’t just win by luck, they didn’t just rely on their goalkeeper to keep them in it, they fully deserved to win the game and win the game comfortably,” she told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“That is going to give them so much confidence in any competition they are playing in this season.
“It’s a huge statement, a brilliant performance, a brilliant result and one that will remain in their record books and will be talked about for a long, long time.”
From the start, City pressed Barcelona and put pressure on the defence and goalkeeper Cata Coll.
As well as Layzell’s aggression down the right, Lauren Hemp was a constant threat on the left, Khadija Shaw was through the centre and Yui Hasegawa was a strong foundation in midfield.
Barcelona, usually so composed and intimidating, were not allowed to settle and though they improved in the second half, they were caught out by Layzell’s well-timed pass for Shaw which confirmed City’s victory with just over 10 minutes to go.
“But if you want to talk about winning competitions and tournaments, it needs to be sustained. It can’t be a one-off performance,” Chamberlain added.
“It’s got to be maintained. That’s the challenge that faces them now. Can you maintain this week in, week out?”
‘Rattled’ Barca but City ‘will be right up there’
Barcelona manager Pere Sunyer said he was not surprised by Manchester City’s approach to the game, but his players struggled to deal with their pressing.
“We know Manchester City are a team with great players and in the first half they showed that,” said Sunyer.
“This competition is the best of the best. They all have weapons in their armoury. I think Manchester City will be right up there.”
BBC Radio 5 Live commentator Vicki Sparks said she had “never seen Barcelona look this rattled over a sustained period of time”.
It was just the second time in their past 80 matches that Barcelona had failed to score – the other was in their defeat by Chelsea last season.
They remain favourites to defend their crown for a third successive season, but City’s performance will have raised eyebrows.
With Hammarby and St Polten to come, Barcelona boss Sunyer remains confident but knows they must improve.
“There are five games left in this group and this team will continue getting better,” he said.