Manchester City won the second leg 2-1 but departed the Champions League to Barcelona 4-2 on aggregate.
This was always going to be a big ask for Manchester City after a dismal 3-0 defeat away in the first leg in which they also missed a penalty with the score 2-0 and then conceded a third in the closing minutes.
Their task was made all the more difficult as Barcelona had not conceded three goals since 2019 and whilst City have 11 successive wins in the league the Spaniards have won all 21 games of their domestic season scoring 103 goals in the process.
And if all this was not enough no team in the Women’s Champions League has eve overcome a 3-0 first leg defeat.
But City came out with intent and after controlling the game deservedly pulled a goal back on 20 minutes. The visitors failed to deal with a Sam Mewis corner and Janine Beckie scored from close range.
The Canadian almost scored a second but her effort was palmed over by Sandra Panos.
Barcelona had been content to slow the game down but now increased the tempo and twice City rode their luck as the Spaniards looked certain to score.
In both instances Asisat Oshoala used her pace to threaten the goal and only the brilliance of keeper Ellie Roebuck assisted by Lucy Bronze with goal-line clearances kept the home side in the game.
Ellen White headed over at the beginning of the second period and Barca replied immediately with Roebuck saving a one-on-one with the dangerous Oshoala, injuring herself in the process.
But the Nigerian was to have the last word as on 58 minutes she reacted first to a loose ball and equalised. City now needed four goals to progress.
City were handed a lifeline when Ellen White earned a penalty and Mewis converted.
Then the visitors showed their class by passing the ball around confidently, denying City the chance to attack. The game was played out with few concerns for Barcelona who deservedly took the tie over two legs.
Full Time
Man City: (0) 2 (Beckie 20, Mewis pen 68)
Barcelona : (3) 1 (Oshoala 59)
Barcelona through to the semi-finals 4-2 on aggregate
Att: Behind closed doors
Venue: Academy Stadium
Be the first to comment