Manchester City booked their spot in the group stage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League with a 3-0 thrashing of Paris FC in the second leg of their qualifier on Thursday.

The WSL side didn’t have as much pressure on them going into their return leg as rivals Arsenal did against BK Hacken after beating Paris FC 5-0 away last week.

Manager Gareth Taylor made six changes from the team who lined up in their 2-2 draw against the Gunners in the opening weekend of the WSL.

Khiara Keating started behind a protective back four consisting of Naomi Layzell, Alanna Kennedy, Alex Greenwood and Laia Aleixandri. Yui Hasegawa played in midfield alongside Jess Park and Laura Blindkilde Brown. Khadjia ‘Bunny’ Shaw led the line upfront, with Mary Fowler and Chloe Kelly occupying both wings.

England international Kelly kicked-off proceedings with a goal just two minutes in at the Joie Stadium, bringing the Cityzens within touching distance of securing their qualification spot.

It was a costly mistake from Paris FC’ goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who fluffed a pass out which was quickly intercepted by Kelly.

However, the visitors have to be commended for showing no signs of giving up despite having such a long way to claw back.

Paris FC commanded the game at points in the first half, but any hopes of an extremely unlikely comeback were diminished further when Shaw tapped another in for City thanks to a pass from Kelly, originating from Blindkilde Brown.

It didn’t take long for the forward to get her second of the night either, after earning herself a penalty following a challenge from Teninsoun Sissoko.

City’s victory means they have now reached the group stage of the Champions League for the first time since 2020/21. They join WSL clubs Arsenal and Chelsea in the next round, making it the first time in history that three English clubs have reached this stage of the tournament.

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