Barça Women 3–0 Manchester City: Exhibition of football

What a win in Monza in Italy for the Barça Women's team as they defeated Manchester City 3-0 to take an important set towards a place in the semi finals of this season's Champions League. Goals from Oshoala, Mariona and Jenni Hermoso and a great penalty save from Sandra Paños handed the blaugranes a well deserved victory ahead of the return leg in Manchester on 31 March, kick off at 5.00pm CEST. 

Blaugrana dominance 

In the first half Barça excelled and threatened to overrun their opponents in the opening minutes. Oshoala, Hansa, Aitana and Alexia all had chances to open the scoring for the home side. Only some excellent goalkeeper from City's Ellie Roebuck kept the score level. 

Goal 100 in Europe

However, City finally woke up and Sandra Paños in goal for Barça was tested on a couple of occasions in the first half. Barça, however, would have their reward before the break. With 10 minutes to go until half time Oshoala gave the blaugranes the lead at the break with a well placed finish at the near post. 

Important step

In the second half the script did not vary. Barça continued to dominate and create chances. Oshoala was brought down in the box and Mariona converted the penalty to make it 2-0 on 52 minutes. 

Sandra Paños' crucial save

City had a great chance to get themselves back into the game when they were awarded a penalty. Sandra Paños came to Barça rescue with a great stop to deny Kelly from the spot and the lead stayed at 2-0. 

With Barça in control, the game appeared to be over but the blaugranes added another vital goal with just four minutes remaining. Jenni Hermoso pounced on a rebound after Alexia's shot had come back off the post to make the final score 3-0 to Barça. 

MATCH STATS

Barça Women, 3
Manchester City, 0

Barça: Paños, Torrejón (Crnogorčević, min 80), Pereira, María León, Leila, Patri, Aitana (Kheira Hamraoui, min 70), Alexia, Graham (Martens, min 62), Mariona and Oshoala (Jenni Hermoso, min 70). 

City: Ellie Roebuck, Bronze, Dahlkemper, Greenwood, Morgan (Stokes, min 46), Walsh, Mewis, Weir, Kelly (Lavelle, min 70), Hemp and White (Stanway, min 70).

Goals: 1-0, Oshoala (min 35). 2-0, Mariona, pen. (min 52). 3-0, Jenni Hermoso (min 86).