Barcelona overtook an injury-depleted Manchester City to claim top spot in Group D of the Women’s Champions League with a commanding 3-0 win at the Olympic Stadium.
City, already through to the quarter-finals as runners-up, were without key players Khadija Shaw, Chloe Kelly, Alex Greenwood, Vivianne Miedema, and Lauren Hemp. Barcelona, needing a two-goal margin to secure first place on goal difference, took full advantage of City’s absences.
The hosts dominated throughout, registering 30 shots and forcing City goalkeeper Khiara Keating into a remarkable 14 saves. Keating’s resistance held until just before half-time, when Claudia Pina broke the deadlock with a clinical strike from inside the box.
City’s best chance came when Jill Roord unleashed a long-range effort that cannoned off the crossbar, but it was Barca who continued to pile on the pressure.
The second goal came shortly before the hour mark as Aitana Bonmatà surged past the City defense and slid the ball through Keating’s legs. Minutes later, substitute Alexia Putellas sealed the result, driving a powerful shot past an unsighted Keating from the edge of the area.
Both teams finished level on 15 points, but Barcelona’s superior goal difference ensured they topped the group. City, now in the second knockout pool, face the prospect of a tougher draw in the quarter-finals.
