Phallon Tullis-Joyce

Fridolina Rolfö scored her first goal for Manchester United as Marc Skinner’s side edged Atletico Madrid 1–0 in a tense Women’s Champions League encounter that saw both teams reduced to ten players.

The Swedish forward, who joined from Barcelona this summer, volleyed home in the 24th minute after timing her back-post run perfectly — her strike sealing United’s second win in as many European games following their opening-round victory over Vålerenga.

Melvine Malard came close to doubling the lead before half-time, but United’s momentum was halted when centre-back Dominique Janssen was sent off. The Dutch defender’s initial yellow card for a sliding challenge on Gio Garbelini was upgraded to red after a lengthy VAR review, with the Atletico winger stretchered off.

Down to ten, United were forced into defensive mode as Atletico peppered their goal, only for goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce to produce several fine saves. The hosts’ pressure ended in frustration when Alexia Fernandez picked up a second yellow card for fouling Leah Galton in the 74th minute.

United regained control late on, with Malard narrowly missing a second goal after a superb solo run. The visitors’ defence — led by captain Maya Le Tissier — held firm under pressure, securing a hard-fought win.

Manchester United complicated their path to the Champions League after losing the first leg 1-0 against Norwegian side Brann. They now face a tough challenge in the home return leg – to equalize and turn the score around. The match also marked Jess Park’s debut in her new kit.

On Saturday 10 May, the last Women's Super League matches were played and the 2024/25 season came to an end. The announcement of the best players did not have to wait long.

• Player of the year: Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal). The Player of the Year was newcomer in the English league Mariona Caldentey, who joined Arsenal from Barcelona at the beginning of the season. In 21 games she has scored 9 goals and 5 assists and the Gunners will rely on her skills in the UWCL final that is still to come.
• Golden boot: Alessia Russo (Arsenal) and Bunny Shaw (Manchester City) - both 12 goals. The Golden Boot, the award for the top scorer of the season, is divided between Arsenal's Alessia Russo and Manchester City's Bunny Shaw. Russo also recently won the award by the Football Writers' Association (FWA) for the best female football player. Shaw might have improved her stats, unfortunately she hasn't played since March due to a thigh injury.
• Golden glove: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea) and Phallon Tullis - Joyce (Manchester United) - both 13 clean sheets. Despite Chelsea being league champions, the club only won one award - the golden glove for best goalkeeper, which went to number one for both the Blues and Lionesses Hannah Hampton. Red Devils number one Phallon Tullis-Joyce, who joined the English league from the NWSL at the start of the season, has the same number of clean sheets.
• Goal of the season: Vivianne Miedema (Manchester City) - The Dutch cannonballer left Arsenal at the beginning of the season, where she spent 7 seasons and was one of the most productive players of the London team. However, the transfer to the Citizens did not compromise her performance - in 11 matches she scored seven times. Her goal against Aston Villa was awarded the best goal of the season.
• Rising star: Shekiera Martinez (West Ham United). The German player has returned to the Hammers after a year-long loan from Freiburg and it has obviously done her good. In March, she became the first ever West Ham player to be awarded player of the month. In April, she scored four goals in one game against Crystal Palace.