Manchester City Women continued their flawless start in the Women’s Champions League with a 2-0 win over Hammarby, securing their third consecutive group-stage victory. Despite their success, however, the team faces uncertainty regarding the availability of their influential winger, Lauren Hemp, for an upcoming top-of-the-table clash with Chelsea. Hemp missed Tuesday’s match due to a potential injury, which head coach Gareth Taylor hinted might have originated in their previous match against Crystal Palace. While she managed to play in the subsequent game against Tottenham, her condition led to her absence against Hammarby. Taylor noted that the team would need further assessments to determine her availability for the weekend fixture, leaving fans and staff hopeful for a quick recovery.
Hemp’s absence was felt, as she has been one of City’s standout players this season, creating more chances than any other player in the Women’s Super League (WSL). However, in her stead, young players like Laura Blindkilde Brown and Aoba Fujino stepped up admirably, scoring both goals in the second half to secure City’s win. Although City’s performance wasn’t quite up to the high standards they have set this season, they showed resilience and adaptability, controlling the majority of the possession and ultimately breaking through the Swedish side’s defense.
Prior to the game, Taylor warned against complacency, despite Hammarby’s recent 9-0 loss to reigning champions Barcelona. That defeat didn’t deter the Swedish team’s traveling supporters, nearly 400 of whom made the journey to Manchester. These die-hard fans, equipped with tifo, scarves, and a constant beat of a drum, filled Joie Stadium with chants and energy. Their presence brought an unusual level of atmosphere for an away fan section in the Women’s Champions League, where traveling crowds are often smaller. Despite City’s dominance in play, the supporters remained vocal throughout the chilly November evening.
City controlled most of the game, though Hammarby did have a brief moment of threat when Japan midfielder Asato Miyagawa sent a shot just over the crossbar near the end of the first half. The near-miss could have swung the momentum, but City’s possession and tactical control kept them in charge. Both Khadija Shaw and Mary Fowler came close to scoring before halftime, but Hammarby’s defense held firm, with the teams going into the break scoreless.
Less than 90 seconds into the second half, City finally broke the deadlock. Laura Blindkilde Brown scored her first Champions League goal and her second overall since joining the team from Aston Villa. The goal came from a well-executed series of one-touch passes that allowed the hosts to shift play from the right to the left side of the field. After Jess Park, Fujino, and Yui Hasegawa combined passes, Fowler delivered a perfectly timed cut-back that found Blindkilde Brown in the right spot for a composed finish. The 21-year-old’s teammates celebrated her goal with enthusiasm, underscoring her growing impact on the team since her arrival.
City maintained their attacking intent after the opener, with Fujino soon adding a second goal. The Japanese playmaker, who had earlier hit the post, capitalized on Leila Ouahabi’s precise cross from the left wing to double City’s lead. Fujino’s goal was her second for the club since joining over the summer, highlighting her importance as a rising star within the squad. The victory means that a win in their upcoming match in Sweden would guarantee Manchester City a place in the knockout stages, potentially allowing them to approach the remaining group games with greater flexibility.
This performance, while workmanlike compared to City’s usual style, demonstrated the depth and determination of Taylor’s squad. With key players like Hemp missing, others rose to the occasion, helping the team maintain their perfect Champions League record. The focus now shifts to managing player fitness ahead of Saturday’s crucial WSL game against Chelsea, as City look to extend their strong domestic form.
