Defeat for London City against Man City – but is Europe a real possibility?

London City Lionesses lost 2-1 to defending Women’s Super League champions Manchester City, despite dominating much of the match. Their 24 shots, compared with City’s clinical goals from Khadija Shaw and Lauren Hemp, showed both their ability to challenge the league’s strongest sides and the gap in experience and consistency they must close.

The defeat has not ended hopes that London City could qualify for the Champions League, a striking ambition for a club promoted from the second tier only 18 months ago. Backed by Michele Kang, they have invested heavily, signed three-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and built a training facility in Kent; however, UEFA ownership rules could prevent them and Kang’s Lyon from competing in the same competition.