Alexia Putellas Debuts as London City Lionesses Beat Man United 2-1 in WSL Opener

London City Lionesses made a statement start to the newly expanded Women's Super League season, beating Manchester United 2-1 at a sold-out Hayes Lane as Alexia Putellas made her competitive debut for the club.

London City took the lead after just nine minutes when Alanna Kennedy's header was inadvertently turned into her own net by United's Julia Zigiotti Olme, following a tussle in the box. Danielle van de Donk doubled the lead in the 82nd minute with a clever flick to seal the points, before Simi Awujo grabbed a stoppage-time consolation for United with their only shot on target all night.

Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Putellas started alongside fellow new arrivals Rosa Kafaji, Mapi Leon and Janni Thomsen, with further big-money signings Mary Earps and Kadidiatou Diani left among the substitutes, in what head coach Eder Maestre hopes signals the arrival of a genuine WSL title contender under owner Michele Kang. The club's only concern came when Lucia Corrales was forced off in the second half, later confirmed to be a rib injury.

Backed by significant investment this summer, London City are targeting a first WSL title as the first fully independent club to do so, having finished sixth last season behind the established top five of Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham.