Manchester City’s persistent threat was rewarded on Tuesday night as they clinched a 2-0 victory over Hammarby in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Despite a slow start, Gareth Taylor’s side remain unbeaten in Europe with a 100% group stage record. Both goals came in the second half, the first from Laura Blindkilde Brown on her Champions League debut and the other from summer signing Aoba Fujino.

Although this certainly wasn’t the Cityzens’ most convincing performance, they will be pleased to walk away with another three points helping to solidify their position at the top of their group.

How the game unfolded

It’s no surprise that Taylor saw this fixture as an opportunity to rest some of his usual starting XI, when you consider that Hammarby are debutants in the Champions League. 

Ayaka Yamashita resumed her position in goal replacing Khiara Keating, while Lauren Hemp was sidelined for the aforementioned Blindkilde Brown, and Mary Fowler started in favour of Jill Roord. 

However, the Cityzens struggled to click and find a productive rhythm in the first half and the Swedish side were successful in keeping them at arm’s length. The home side’s only real shot on target came from Fowler in the 30th minute, trying her luck with a low strike on the right-hand side. 

Fresh from a WSL record with a hat-trick at the weekend, Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw struggled to create any real threat on the attack. The visiting side were granted the best opportunity in the first half when a cross from Asato Miyagawa ended up causing havoc in the 18-yard box. Although the ball found the feet of Ellen Ingegerd Wangerheim, Alex Greenwood quickly gained composure to clear.

As the second half commenced, it was clear something had switched in the home side. Blindkilde Brown found the back of the net after two minutes, converting an assist from Fowler.

City continued to dominate and Fujino was the key to unlocking their potential. Her relentless efforts finally paid off in the 80th minute when her header breezed past Anna Tamminen.

Hammarby dug deep in the last 15, but it was too late for the Swedish side to make a real difference.

GK: Ayaka Yamashita – 8/10 – She made a vital save that stopped Hammarby from equalising in the 72nd minute. As well as that, she remained a reliable pair of hands.

RB: Kerstin Casparij – 6/10 – Didn’t have a lot to do, but should be commended for her 90% pass accuracy.

CB: Alanna Kennedy – 6/10 – The defender wasn’t challenged a huge amount but was adequate when she was required to spring into action. She recorded a 92% pass accuracy and successfully won three ground duels and two aerial duels.

CB: Alex Greenwood (c) – 6/10 – A reliable performance from City’s new skipper. The centre-back proved why she is an asset to any backline a long time ago and they remain lucky to have her.

LB: Leila Ouahabi – 6/10 – A solid effort. She totalled three tackles, three interceptions and three clearances.

CM: Jess Park – 6/10 – The breakout England international has had a stellar start to the 2024/25 Women’s Super League, bagging two goals domestically. However, she blended into the background against the Swedish side, being overshadowed by Blindkilde Brown.

CM: Yui Hasegawa – 6/10 – Like Park alongside her, Hasegawa didn’t have the strongest of games. There were a handful of times that she was sloppy when in possession, giving Hammarby an opportunity to take back control in the centre of the pitch.

CM: Laura Blindkilde Brown – 9/10 – The 21-year-old certainly had a game to remember. Not only did she score on her Champions League debut, she put on a commanding display helping to control play in the middle of the pitch.

RW: Mary Fowler – 7/10 – A promising showing from the Australian international, who recorded an assist for City’s first goal of the evening. The 21-year-old’s pace on the attack continues to be frightening for anyone getting in her way.

ST: Khadija Shaw – 6/10 – The striker was starved of the majority of opportunities during the duration of the game. She not only struggled to find the space she usually does to present threat, but she was also clumsy when in possession.

LW: Aoba Fujino – 8/10 – A composed effort from the left-winger who joined the Cityzens this summer. She totalled six shots on goal and a 70% accuracy, all while successfully finding space on the wing to create worthy chances.

Substitutes

SUB: Jill Roord (81′ for Fowler) – 7/10 – Didn’t have a huge amount of time to make an impact, but came out on top in two ground duels whilst on the pitch.

SUB: Chloe Kelly (81′ for Blindkilde Brown) – 7/10 – Recording a 100% pass rate accuracy, the England international remained threatening when on the ball. It’s understandable why their is frustration that she doesn’t get more minutes when she has such a commanding presence.

SUB: Lily Murphy (88′ for Shaw) – N/A

SUB: Laura Coombs (90+2′ for Park) – N/A

SUB: Gracie Prior (90+2′ for Greenwood) – N/A

Unused subs: Khiara Keating (GK), Katie Startup (GK), Codie Thomas, Eve O’Carroll

Manager

Gareth Taylor – 7/10 – City certainly lacked their usual flare, but on this occasion Taylor will be pleased to have got the job done ahead of travelling to Sweden next week for a rematch.

Player of the match – Laura Blindkilde Brown

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