Five months after navigating the Group Stage undefeated, Melbourne City will resume its AFC Women’s Champions League campaign this Sunday in a historic clash against Taichung Blue Whale.
With a place in the Semi Finals on the line, City will be eager to make the most of home advantage in what will be the first-ever AWCL match played on Australian soil.
Here are a few of the major talking points ahead of Sunday:
Carrying the Momentum
It may feel like a distant memory, but City began our Champions League journey in October 2024, dominating the Group Stage in Thailand.
Mariana Speckmaier and Lourdes Bosch (3 goals each) shone in their first appearances in City blue, while a resolute defensive unit conceded just one goal across three matches.
This unbeaten run laid the foundation for what has been a remarkable Ninja A-League season.
Now 22 games unbeaten across all competitions, City remains in scintillating form. With four wins from the last five league outings, Michael Matricciani’s side will be full of confidence.
In contrast, Taichung Blue Whale has not played a competitive fixture in months, as the Taiwanese league runs from April to November.
A Chance at History
Sunday’s Quarter Final marks a major milestone for Australian women’s football. Hosting an AWCL fixture for the first time adds extra significance to the occasion, with City aiming to make even more history.
With the introduction of the Champions League, Australian clubs now have the opportunity to compete for three major trophies in a single season.
City remains firmly in contention for all three, still pushing for both the Ninja A-League Premiers Plate and Championship.
However, all eyes are now on the AWCL, with victory on Sunday moving City just two wins away from lifting continental silverware.
Options Galore for Matricciani
City’s squad has only grown stronger since the Group Stage. Canadian forward Kathryn Harvey joined the Club soon after and has netted three goals in 15 appearances.
Meanwhile, Matilda Holly McNamara has made an electric return from an ACL injury, scoring 10 goals in just 13 matches to sit equal-first in the Ninja A-League Golden Boot race.
With Speckmaier and Bosch still in fine form, Matricciani has an embarrassment of riches in attack. Add to that the likes of Bryleeh Henry, and Rhianna Pollicina pushing for selection, and the City Head Coach faces a welcome selection headache.
A clean bill of health across the squad means City will also benefit from expanded substitution options, with AWCL regulations allowing for more than double the substitutes compared to a Ninja A-League match.
Whether Matricciani opts to stick with the winning XI from last week’s victory over Adelaide United or introduces fresh faces, City fans can expect a fierce and determined performance on Sunday.
With a spot in the Semi Final up for grabs, the stage is set for another unforgettable chapter in Melbourne City’s Champions League campaign.
Fixture Details
AFC Women’s Champions League: Quarter Final
Melbourne City FC v Taichung Blue Whale
Sunday 23 March, 3:00pm KO
Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
