\n<\/p>\n
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain described City’s win as a “huge statement” to Europe’s elite.<\/p>\n
“They didn\u2019t just win by luck, they didn\u2019t just rely on their goalkeeper to keep them in it, they fully deserved to win the game and win the game comfortably,” she told BBC Radio 5 Live.<\/p>\n
“That is going to give them so much confidence in any competition they are playing in this season.<\/p>\n
“It’s a huge statement, a brilliant performance, a brilliant result and one that will remain in their record books and will be talked about for a long, long time.” <\/p>\n
From the start, City pressed Barcelona and put pressure on the defence and goalkeeper Cata Coll.<\/p>\n
As well as Layzell\u2019s aggression down the right, Lauren Hemp was a constant threat on the left, Khadija Shaw was through the centre and Yui Hasegawa was a strong foundation in midfield.<\/p>\n
Barcelona, usually so composed and intimidating, were not allowed to settle and though they improved in the second half, they were caught out by Layzell\u2019s well-timed pass for Shaw which confirmed City\u2019s victory with just over 10 minutes to go.<\/p>\n
“But if you want to talk about winning competitions and tournaments, it needs to be sustained. It can\u2019t be a one-off performance,” Chamberlain added.<\/p>\n
“It\u2019s got to be maintained. That’s the challenge that faces them now. Can you maintain this week in, week out?”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n