Putellas marks WSL debut with victory as London City edge Manchester United 2-1

Alexia Putellas marked her Women’s Super League debut with a winning start as London City Lionesses beat Manchester United 2-1 at the Copperjax Community Stadium on the opening day of the WSL season. The two-time Ballon d’Or winner, signed from Barcelona in the summer, was part of a starting line-up that made history before kick-off — head coach Eder Maestre named the first WSL opening-day XI containing no English players.

London City dominated the first half and took the lead in the ninth minute when a corner caused confusion in the United box, with Julia Zigiotti’s own goal — initially credited to Alanna Kennedy — putting the hosts ahead. Manchester United failed to register a single shot on target before the break, a difficult introduction to the English women’s top flight for new United manager Eva Olid.

The hosts doubled their advantage in the 82nd minute when Danielle van de Donk beat goalkeeper Elene Lete with a skilled flick, putting the result beyond doubt. Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce had earlier kept United in the game with saves to deny Kennedy and Rosa Kafaji.

The evening was not without concern for London City, however. Lucia Corrales was carried off on a stretcher just after the hour mark, casting a shadow over an otherwise commanding performance.

Manchester United pulled one back deep into stoppage time — in the 10th minute of added time — when Simi Awujo converted after being set up by an impressive Delphine Cascarino, but it proved too little to deny London City a confident opening-day win.