Naomi Layzell made an unforgettable debut within the Ladies’s Champions League as she performed a pivotal position in Manchester Metropolis’s gorgeous 2-0 victory over defending champions Barcelona on Wednesday. Layzell, who spent final season with Bristol Metropolis within the Ladies’s Tremendous League, was instrumental in each targets on the Joie Stadium, capping a outstanding night time for the English aspect.
Metropolis, returning to Europe’s elite competitors for the primary time since their quarter-final exit to Barcelona in 2021, sought redemption in opposition to the Catalan giants. Regardless of a shaky begin that noticed Caroline Graham Hansen hit the publish after simply three minutes, and Lauren Hemp putting the woodwork quickly after, Metropolis grew into the sport and asserted themselves.
The breakthrough got here within the thirty fifth minute when Vivianne Miedema’s pinpoint header on the again publish arrange Layzell to attain with a well-timed slide into the online. The younger defender’s objective gave Metropolis an important lead and set the tone for what can be a formidable workforce efficiency.
Resilient underneath strain
Barcelona, who had scored in all however one among their final 79 matches, ramped up their efforts within the second half looking for an equalizer. Aitana Bonmati got here shut, forcing a wonderful save from Metropolis goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita, whereas Claudia Pina’s effort narrowly missed the goal. Nonetheless, the English aspect remained resilient underneath strain, and their defensive self-discipline proved essential.
With 13 minutes remaining, Metropolis delivered the decisive blow. Layzell, once more on the coronary heart of the motion, supplied a wonderfully weighted by ball for Khadija Shaw. The Jamaican ahead evaded a problem from Patri Guijarro and coolly rounded Barcelona goalkeeper Cata Coll to double the lead, securing a memorable victory for Metropolis.
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The win positioned Gareth Taylor’s aspect stage on factors with Hammarby in Group D, with the Swedish workforce additionally securing a 2-0 win over St. Pölten earlier within the day.
