Gareth Taylor’s side were competing in the Champions League proper for the first time since 2021 but were full value for the win against a side who have won three of the past four tournaments.
Naomi Layzell opened the scoring from a corner to hand City a deserved half-time lead, which Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw then doubled with 15 to play.
It was a memorable night under the lights at the Joie Stadium. Some of the below numbers put that result and performance into context…
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5,508
The number of supporters who witnessed our win over Barcelona, a record attendance for the Joie Stadium.
The previous largest crowd had been set in the final home fixture of last season when 5,409 fans saw City lose 2-1 to Arsenal in what was legendary former captain Steph Houghton’s last home fixture before calling time on her career.
That crowd surpassed the record set back in February 2022 from City’s 1-0 derby win over Manchester United, which was spectated by 5,317.
Defending from the front
City knew we would need to be at our best defensively to keep the European champions at bay, who had scored 18 goals in their past two fixtures before Wednesday’s showdown.
But that came right from the top end of the pitch, with our aggressive but organised press causing Barcelona plenty of problems across the 90 minutes.
If any demonstration were needed of the work put in by City’s attacking players when out of possession then look no further than Lauren Hemp.
The winger’s six tackles were the most across the entirety of Champions League Matchweek One.
Keeping Barca at bay
Barcelona were far from out of the contest, with Caroline Graham Hansen striking the post and Laia Aleixandri pulling off a remarkable goal-line clearance, but they ultimately failed to score for only the second time in their past 80 matches.
It was also the first time the holders haven’t found the net in the group stages of the Champions League.
At the other end, Barca faced more shots (13) against City than they have in any other match at this stage in the competition.
Exciting talent
When Naomi Layzell joined the Club this summer from Bristol City, she probably wouldn’t have expected to grab a goal and assist against Barcelona in just her second Champions League appearance.
But the 20-year-old showed she belonged at this level, more than matching up to two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas down the City right.
What’s more, her strike was the first time she’d found the net at senior level… not a bad opponent to break your duck against!
