London City Lionesses won 2-1 against Manchester United in the opening match of the 2026-27 Women’s Super League season on September 4. The fixture took place at Bromley FC’s sold-out home ground, drawing a crowd of 5,402 spectators [1, 2, 3, 4].

London City’s first goal came early in the 9th minute through an own goal by Manchester United midfielder Julia Zigiotti Olme. The Lionesses added a second goal in the 82nd minute, scored by Danielle van de Donk [1, 2, 3]. Manchester United pulled a goal back with the final kick of the match as Simi Awujo scored a consolation goal [1, 3].

The match marked the Women’s Super League debut for Manchester United’s new manager, Eva Olid [1, 3]. Zigiotti Olme, who joined Manchester United in July 2025, said the team aims for its first WSL title but faces stiff competition from Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City. "United always go in to win and we always aim high, but I think it will be very even," she said [5, 6].

London City Lionesses have heavily invested in the transfer market ahead of this season, signing international stars including Alexia Putellas, Mapi León, Mary Earps, and Danielle van de Donk. Putellas captained the team in her Lionesses debut and described adapting to the league as a work in progress. "I’m still learning (English football), it’s the first game. It’s a physical league," she said [1, 2, 4].

Owner Michele Kang secured the largest shirt sponsorship deal in women's football with Nike prior to the season, a deal that surpasses some Premier League men’s contracts [1, 3]. The match was broadcast live on Sky Sports, partly due to the high profile of Putellas joining the league [4].

The 2026-27 WSL season expanded to 14 teams with the promotion of Birmingham City, Crystal Palace, and Charlton Athletic from WSL2, marking a new chapter for the competition [5, 6].

London City Lionesses coach Eder Maestre emphasized the importance of the victory: "Starting with a win is very important to keep building confidence. I think we were very dominant through the whole game. That’s the identity we want – that’s why I’m very proud of the team" [1].

Delphine Cascarino, another Lionesses player, added, "It was really fun to win today. I think we have a chance to do something this season. We are trying to build something huge and achieve big things" [2].

The Lionesses will next face Crystal Palace, one of the new teams in the expanded league, as the 14-team season continues.