UWCL Match Recap: Barcelona Women 3-0 Manchester City Women

Before the first leg of the Champions League Quarterfinal started it was always going to be a difficult afternoon for Manchester City with Barcelona having scored 99 in the Primera Division and conceded just 3. The match was played in Italy, however, was the home leg for Barcelona.

City were also without captain Steph Houghton due to injury, however, Lucy Bronze returned.

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Barcelona started the match the better team and City were finding it difficult to settle with Barcelona playing a high press. So, it was no surprise the first real chance of the game fell for the home team. Asisat Oshoala capitalised on a mistake from Bronze but Ellie Roebuck produced a magnificent save.

Just under 20 minutes in it was a wonder how Barcelona hadn’t scored. They had a flurry of chances in the box which were all blocked with good last-ditch defending from the Blues.

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It is safe to say if it weren’t for Roebuck City would have been much worse off. She produced another brilliant save just minutes later when Barcelona got in behind and Aitana Bonmati managed a shot from around the penalty spot.

City began showing some threat halfway into the first half, both Caroline Weir and Chloe Kelly had a good chance, Weir’s producing a save from Sandra Paños and Kelly’s shot soaring over the bar.

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Barcelona had their breakthrough 10 minutes before halftime. Oshoala received the ball on the edge of the box and buried it into the bottom corner leaving Roebuck no chance. 1-0 Barcelona.

Roebuck again was the centre of the action with another fine save just before halftime to keep the scoreline at 1-0 heading into the break.

Just into the second half and it got worse for City. Substitute Demi Stokes gave away a penalty which was converted by Mariona Caldentey. 2-0 Barcelona.

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3 minutes after Barcelona scored a penalty, City were awarded one when Lauren Hemp was brought down in the box. Kelly stepped up to take it, but it was a nice height for the keeper, and it was saved.

It wasn’t looking like City’s day when Ellen White missed from 6 yards, most City fans would have fancied her to score from such close range.

Substitute Georgia Stanway pulled the ball back across into Sam Mewis who couldn’t get any power on the shot. City looked the better team with 20 minutes to go but they could not get anything to count for it.

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Possibly the goal that left City with a masterclass to perform in the second leg. With 5 minutes to go, Jennifer Hermoso scored after another good save from Roebuck onto the post, but the rebound fell perfectly for Barcelona. 3-0.

A final chance for City to grab an away goal with a minute to go when Stanway was just 6 yards out. It would have been quite the goal had she scored, however, nothing fell right for the Blues on this occasion.

Full Time: Barcelona 3-0 Manchester City