Despite a tough night in Catalonia, City Women advanced to the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-finals. A gritty group-stage campaign, highlighted by a memorable opening win over Barcelona, ensured their progress.
DETAILS:
Gareth Taylor’s side faced a daunting task at the Olympic Stadium, needing at least a draw or a narrow one-goal defeat to finish top of Group D. Missing several key players, City displayed resilience against Barcelona’s attacking onslaught.
Khiara Keating was a standout in goal, making save after save to deny Barcelona an early lead. However, the hosts finally broke through on the stroke of halftime when Claudia Pina capitalized on a loose ball in the box.
City held their ground early in the second half, but Aitana Bonmati doubled Barcelona’s lead with a composed finish just before the hour mark. Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas then sealed the victory, punishing a defensive lapse late in the game.
This loss ended City’s unbeaten Champions League run this season, but their earlier group-stage heroics, including a 2-0 victory over Barcelona in Manchester, ensured their place in the quarter-finals.
RECALL:
The 2024/25 Champions League journey began with promise as City stunned the reigning champions with a disciplined 2-0 win in the group opener. This set the tone for a strong campaign that secured qualification despite injuries and setbacks.
QUOTES:
Gareth Taylor (City Manager): “Tonight’s result doesn’t overshadow the incredible journey this team has been on. The players showed heart and determination, and we’ll use this as motivation for what’s ahead.”
Laia Aleixandri (Captain): “We’re disappointed with the result, but proud of our performance in the group stages. We’ll take this break to recharge and come back stronger in 2025.”
CITATIONS:
Barcelona XI: Coll, Batlle (J. Fernandez 88’), Paredes, Leon (C), Brugts, Walsh (Nazareth 76’), Bonmati (Lopez 88’), Guijarro, Paralluelo (Rolfo 76’), Pajor, Pina (Putellas 66’).
City XI: Keating, Casparij, Kennedy, Aleixandri (C), Ouahabi, Hasegawa, Roord, Blindkilde Brown (Murphy 60’), Fowler, Fujino, Park (Coombs 81’).
KEEP IN MIND:
City now shift their focus to the domestic stage, with the FA Cup Fourth Round against Ipswich Town next on January 12. Quarter-finals of the Champions League await in March, where potential opponents include European heavyweights Olympique Lyonnais, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Arsenal.
For now, City fans can take pride in their team’s European journey, which saw them stand toe-to-toe with Europe’s best. Rest assured, this isn’t the end of the road—this is just the beginning of a thrilling 2025 campaign.
