London City Lionesses lose to Manchester City but show Champions League potential
London City Lionesses were beaten 2-1 by Manchester City despite an impressive display, raising questions about their European ambitions and UEFA multi-club ownership rules.
London City Lionesses suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to defending champions Manchester City at Hayes Lane, but their performance suggested they are closer to competing with the Women's Super League's elite than many expected. Khadija Shaw and Lauren Hemp scored against the run of play for the visitors, who dug in to maintain their position at the top of the table.
London City created numerous chances and ended the game with 24 shots, only six of which were on target. The team, playing second-tier football 18 months ago, looked the better side for much of the afternoon but were punished for a lack of ruthlessness. Manager Eder Maestre said the result was frustrating because his side performed at the level they wanted, but noted Manchester City's greater maturity and experience in tight games.
Backed by US billionaire Michele Kang, London City have invested heavily in the squad - including the summer arrival of Alexia Putellas, who displayed her third Ballon d'Or before kick-off - and agreed a record-breaking shirt deal with Nike. Manchester City manager Andree Jeglertz said London City showed the highest level, but stressed that competing at the top requires consistency week after week across the season.
Even if London City were to qualify for the Champions League, current UEFA rules prevent owners from having two clubs in the same competition, meaning one of Kang's Lyon or London City would miss out. Chief executive Martin Semmens said the club wants to be part of the conversation and aims to compete in Europe every year, and argued there are structured ways to meet the rules while continuing to invest in multiple women's clubs.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
