London City Lionesses kicked off their Women's Super League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Manchester United at the Copperjax Community Stadium. The match marked a winning debut in the WSL for former Barcelona captain Alexia Putellas, who joined London City in the summer.
The hosts took the lead in the ninth minute through an own goal by Julia Zigiotti from a London City corner. Danielle van de Donk then doubled their advantage in the 82nd minute. Manchester United's Simi Awujo scored in second-half stoppage time, halving the deficit.
London City also made history by fielding an opening day starting line-up without any English players, a decision made by coach Eder Maestre. The game saw United's new boss Eva Olid experience a less than ideal introduction to the English top flight, with her side failing to register a shot on target before half-time.