Alexia Putellas Captains London City to 2-1 Victory Over Manchester United

Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas led London City Lionesses to a 2-1 win against Manchester United at Copperjax Community Stadium.

London City Lionesses secured a 2-1 victory over Manchester United on Friday at the Copperjax Community Stadium to open the 2026-27 WSL season. Captaining the side on her debut, two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas saw her team take the lead through a Julia Zigiotti Olme own goal. Daniëlle van de Donk doubled the advantage with a second-half flick before United’s Simi Awujo scored a consolation goal in the 97th minute.

Manchester United struggled offensively for the majority of the contest, failing to record a single shot until the 78th minute. Their first shot on target did not arrive until seven minutes into stoppage time, which resulted in Awujo's late strike. Despite the narrow final scoreline, the performance from the home side was described as far more comfortable than the result suggested, occurring in front of London City owner Michelle Kang.

Putellas Reflects on Physical WSL Debut

Following the final whistle, Putellas expressed her satisfaction with the three points while acknowledging the adjustment to English football. "We had a strong beginning so [we're] really, really happy," she told the BBC. The midfielder noted that she is still learning the nuances of a league she described as physical. She emphasized her philosophy that the ball should move faster than the legs and promised the crowd that the team would provide "better and better football" as the season progresses.

Manager Eder Maestre handed out four debuts during the fixture, including a start for goalkeeper Elene Lete. Lete was selected over Mary Earps, who remained on the bench due to fitness issues encountered during the preseason. Maestre highlighted the leadership Putellas brings to the project, stating that her presence represents high standards that help the rest of the squad reach their collective goals.

Tactical Shifts and Squad Integration

The match marked the first game in charge for United manager Olid, who replaced Marc Skinner. Olid noted a lack of belief in her squad during the first half but observed improvements after the interval. She stated that the team must become a unit that dominates with the ball and attacks, though she admitted that the late goal was not enough. United's new manager intends to focus on creating more chances from both open play and set pieces to build confidence.

Maestre addressed the challenges of blending a roster featuring a "clash of cultures" and numerous new signings. The London City manager expressed pride in having all players "on the same page" despite the difficulty of aligning different backgrounds. He noted that the chemistry being built around the players was the most significant takeaway from the opening day performance.

Spanish Influence at Copperjax Community Stadium

A significant Spanish contingent attended the match to watch the debuts of Putellas and Mapi León. Maestre remarked that this support is vital for the team’s identity, given the high number of Spanish players in the squad. The manager aims to create an attractive style of play to increase fan engagement and fun for the spectators.

London City now moves forward in the 2026-27 campaign having successfully integrated star recruits during the summer transfer window. While United was identified by some as the window's biggest losers, London City’s victory validates their recent recruitment strategy. The team will look to build on this initial three-point haul as they refine their speed of play and technical execution in the coming weeks.