Melbourne City is set to begin its third consecutive AFC Women’s Champions League campaign, with three important Group Stage fixtures awaiting Michael Matricciani’s side in Uzbekistan.
After reaching the Final in its inaugural campaign before progressing to the Semi Finals last season, City will be eager to continue its impressive continental record when Group C gets underway in Qarshi.
With a fresh-looking squad following a busy off-season, the tournament presents an exciting opportunity for several of City’s new recruits to experience continental club football for the first time.
Having secured home Quarter Finals in each of its previous two campaigns, City will again have its sights set on a strong Group Stage showing and the opportunity to bring knockout football back to Melbourne.
It won’t be an easy task, though, with three challenging opponents standing in the way, including two familiar foes and the reigning Chinese Women’s Super League champions.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of our three Group Stage fixtures.
Matchday 1: Melbourne City v PFC Nasaf
City’s continental campaign begins with a challenging clash against Group C hosts PFC Nasaf on Sunday 1 November.
The Uzbekistani side will be a familiar opponent for City fans, with the two teams having met in a dramatic Quarter Final at the Home of the Matildas earlier this year.
On that occasion, City was pushed all the way before Chinaza Uchendu struck a memorable 90th-minute winner to secure a 2-1 victory and book a place in the Semi Finals.
This time, however, the tables have turned, with Nasaf enjoying home advantage as the two sides meet once again.
Playing in familiar surroundings and with the support of the local crowd, the hosts will be determined to make a strong start to their own continental campaign.
For City, it presents an important first test for a new-look squad, with Matricciani’s side looking to begin its Group Stage campaign with three points.
Match Details
Melbourne City FC v PFC Nasaf
Sunday 1 November, 1:30am AEDT
Markaziy Stadium, Qarshi
Watch live on YouTube
Matchday 2: Kaya FC-Iloilo v Melbourne City
A familiar opponent awaits City in its second Group C fixture, with a meeting against Filipino champions Kaya FC-Iloilo on Wednesday 4 November.
The two sides last met during the 2024/25 Group Stage in Thailand, with City recording a convincing 4-0 victory in a memorable occasion for skipper Rebekah Stott.
Making her 100th appearance for the Club, Stott marked the milestone in style by finding the back of the net as City handed Kaya its only defeat of the Group Stage.
Two years on, the Filipino side returns to the continental stage following an impressive domestic campaign, having been crowned invincible champions of the PFF Women’s League.
Their unbeaten title-winning season highlights the challenge awaiting City, with Kaya looking to carry that strong domestic form into Asia’s premier women’s club competition.
With a short turnaround following the opening fixture, Matricciani’s side will be eager to build momentum and take another important step towards securing a place in the knockout stages.
Match Details
Kaya FC-Iloilo v Melbourne City FC
Wednesday 4 November, 9:30pm AEDT
Markaziy Stadium, Qarshi
Watch live on YouTube
Matchday 3: Melbourne City v Beijing Jingtan FC
City will round out its Group Stage campaign with a toughest test, taking on reigning Chinese Women’s Super League champions Beijing Jingtan FC on Saturday 7 November.
Beijing arrives in Uzbekistan with an impressive domestic record, having been crowned Chinese champions in 2025 following a thrilling title race.
The side finished just one point ahead of Jiangsu to secure the title, recording 12 wins, five draws and five losses across the season.
They have continued that strong form into the current campaign, sitting second on the table at the halfway mark with eight wins, two draws and just one defeat from their opening 11 fixtures.
With both sides boasting strong records in their respective competitions, the final Group C clash shapes as a fascinating contest and potentially a crucial fixture in determining the final group standings.
For City, a strong result against the Chinese champions could prove vital in its pursuit of another home Quarter Final and a third consecutive appearance in the knockout stages.
Match Details
Melbourne City FC v Beijing Jingtan FC
Saturday 7 November, 9:30pm AEDT
Markaziy Stadium, Qarshi
Watch live on YouTube
City looking to carry winning momentum into Asia
City heads into its third consecutive AFC Women’s Champions League campaign full of confidence, having made a perfect start to its A-League Women’s Premiership defence with two wins from two.
Despite a busy off-season that saw several changes to the squad, Matricciani’s side has shown plenty of promising signs in the opening weeks, with new recruits Melina Ayres and Cortnee Vine both finding the back of the net.
Aideen Keane has also picked up where she left off last season, with the developing chemistry between City’s attacking trio shaping as an exciting prospect heading into the continental campaign.
City’s versatility and depth have also been on display across the opening two rounds, something that could prove particularly important with three challenging fixtures to navigate in just seven days.
With a demanding schedule ahead, Matricciani will be looking to make full use of his squad as City aims to carry its winning momentum onto the continental stage.
The top two teams from each group will automatically progress to the Quarter Finals, alongside the two best third-placed sides.
Having secured home Quarter Finals in each of its previous two campaigns, City will once again be determined to finish as strongly as possible and give itself the best chance of bringing knockout football back to Melbourne.
After reaching the Final in 2024/25 and the Semi Finals last season, City will be eager to continue its impressive continental record and take another step towards AFC Women’s Champions League silverware.
