Alexia Putellas made her London City Lionesses debut as captain in a 2–1 win over Manchester United in the Women's Super League season opener on Friday, playing in front of a record home crowd of 5,402 at Bromley FC.
The two-time Ballon d'Or winner, who joined London City in the summer after 13 trophy-laden seasons at Barcelona, led her new side to a confident victory. The hosts opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Alanna Kennedy pressured Julia Zigiotti Olme into turning the ball into her own net from a corner. Daniëlle van de Donk added a second from a Mapi León corner and Delphine Cascarino cross, before Simi Awujo scored a late consolation for Manchester United deep into added time.
Putellas was named the biggest overseas signing in Women's Super League history by ESPN, and her arrival has been part of a transformative summer for London City, who are owned by Michele Kang. Kang, who also owns OL Lyon and Washington Spirit through her Kynisca group, watched from the stands wearing a 'Kang 27' shirt and walked the perimeter taking photos with fans, according to The Guardian.
London City also unveiled Nike as their new front-of-shirt sponsor, and Putellas announced her YouTube channel would broadcast one WSL match each weekend in Spain, starting with her debut, as reported by ESPN.
The match was not without concern for London City, as Lucía Corrales was taken off late after overstretching for the ball. Mary Earps, the former England goalkeeper who joined London City in the summer, was named on the bench and is understood to be nursing an injury picked up in pre-season, according to The Guardian.
Manchester United struggled throughout, conceding more than 60% possession and failing to register a shot on target until Awujo's 99th-minute consolation. United finished the first half without a single shot, with an expected goals (xG) of 0.0, according to ESPN. Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce made two saves from Kennedy and Kafaji before the hour mark to keep the visitors in the match.
The win marks a significant statement for London City, who are aiming to break into Europe's elite. The club's average attendance last season was 6,168, and Friday's sell-out crowd at Bromley FC was close to that figure, as noted by The Guardian.
London City manager Eder Maestre, quoted by The Guardian, described the performance as "emphatic" and praised his team's display, though he acknowledged there is still work to be done.
The result leaves Manchester United searching for answers after a disappointing opening-day performance, while London City will look to build on their strong start when they travel to face Aston Villa next week.