Shaw strike helps City down Barcelona in Champions League opener

MANCHESTER, England (CMC):

JAMAICAN FORWARD Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw delivered a crucial second-half goal to help Manchester City secure a 2-0 victory over defending champions Barcelona in their opening Women’s Champions League clash in Manchester, England, on Wednesday.

City outplayed the two-time titleholders during the first half, taking a deserved lead in the 36th minute when Naomi Layzell showed bravery at a corner to head home. Despite facing relentless pressure from Barcelona’s attack, City stood firm to preserve their advantage.

Shaw sealed the victory in the 77th minute, breaking clear of the defence and rounding goalkeeper Cata Coll before expertly finishing past a defender on the goal line.

In other results on Wednesday, Hammarby defeated St Pölten 2-0 in the same group as Man City and Barcelona, while Juventus earned a 1-0 win over Vålerenga in Group C. Bayern Munich got the better of Arsenal 5-2.