Manchester City edged out St. Polten with a 3-2 win to make it two wins from two in Group D of the UEFA Champions League.
City began dominating proceedings from the first whistle and took the lead after just six minutes. Yui Hasegawa laid the ball off to Alanna Kennedy from around 25-yards out and she unleashed a fantastic strike which flew past the helpless Carina Schluter.
Gareth Taylor’s side came close to scoring after just nine minutes, with Schluter producing a fine save to tip the ball onto the post after Jess Park’s cross was deflected goalward by Jennifer Klein.
City struck the woodwork for a second time 10 minutes from the break, with Mary Fowler’s effort crashing off the crossbar.
St. Polten equalised just five minutes later, with Melanie Brunnthaler stabbing home from close range following a scramble in the box.
The hosts completed the turnaround less than 10 minutes into the second period when Kamila Dubcova swivelled in the box before firing home on the volley from close range.
City weren’t behind for long though. Chloe Kelly hung up a great cross to the back post, where Aoba Fujino struck sweetly to equalise.
Gareth Taylor’s side took the lead for a second time on the night with Fowler rising highest to head home a fantastic Lauren Hemp corner 10 minutes from time.
Talking Point – City march on
Based on City’s first two matches in the competition, the Champions League is looking like exactly where City deserve to be. Their campaign got off to a dream start on MD1, beating Spanish giants Barcelona 2-0. Tonight’s test was a very different one but one that City passed nonetheless. Taylor’s side had to show character after seeing the game begin to get away from them, despite a fast start.
This was City’s first away win in the group stage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League since a 5-0 drubbing of Fiorentina in March 2021, but Taylor will be hoping his side will add a few more to the tally this season,
Player of the Match – Aoba Fujino
The 20-year-old Japan international was superb tonight for Man City. She provided the assist for Kennedy’s screamer in the first half before scoring a fine equaliser in the second half for Taylor’s side. She moved the ball well, completing 38 of her 45 passes, creating several good opportunities for City. Defensively she worked hard too, making three tackles and one interception. A fine performance.
Player Ratings
St. Polten: Schluter 8, Mattner-Trembleau 6, Wenger 6, Klein 6, Krizaj 6, Dubcova 7, Hillebrand 6, Mikolajova 6, Brunnthaler 8, Pekel 6 Subs: Krznaric 6, Madl 6, Glibo N/A
Man City: Keating 6, Ouahabi 7, Greenwood 7, Kennedy 7, Thomas 7, Blindkilde 7, Hasegawa 8, Park 6, Kelly 8, Fowler 8, Fujino 9 Subs: Shaw 6, Aleixandri 6, Roord 7, Hemp 7
Match Highlights
9’ OFF THE POST! – Carina Schluter produces a fantastic save to keep the score at just 0-1, tipping the ball onto the post to ensure Jennifer Klein doesn’t score an own goal.
6’ GOAL! ST. POLTEN 0-1 MANCHESTER CITY (KENNEDY) – An absolute rocket from Alanna Kennedy puts Man City in the lead in Austria. The ball falls to the City defender outside the box and she unleashes an unstoppable effort from distance.
36’ CITY STRIKE THE BAR! – Manchester City will be wondering how they aren’t 2-0 up tonight! This time the ball falls to Mary Fowler who blasts an effort from close range which rattles the crossbar.
39’ JUST WIDE OF THE TARGET! – That was a huge chance for St. Polten but it’s gone begging. Alex Greenwood has her pocket picked after overplaying at the back and the ball falls to Mateja Zver, who fires off an effort which takes a deflection and goes out for a corner.
40’ GOAL! ST. POLTEN 1-1 MANCHESTER CITY (BRUNNTHALER) – St. Polten have equalised! City fail to deal with a corner leading to a scramble. Brunnthaler steps onto the ball first time lashing it home past Keating from close range.
53’ GOAL! ST. POLTEN 2-1 MANCHESTER CITY (DUBCOVA) – St. Polten have turned it around against Man City! Dubcova swivels on the ball before unleashing a volley which flies past Keating.
57’ GOAL! ST. POLTEN 2-2 MANCHESTER CITY (FUJINO) – They weren’t behind for long! Chloe Kelly hangs up a great cross from the right-hand side which Fujino fires home on the volley.
80’ GOAL! ST. POLTEN 2-3 MANCHESTER CITY (FOWLER) – Manchester City have taken the lead! Lauren Hemp swings in a really good corner and Mary Fowler rises highest to connect. City lead with 10 minutes to go!
Key Stat
Manchester City have won their first away game in the UEFA Women’s Champions League since March 2021.
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