Melbourne City is just two matches away from continental glory, with a spot in the inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League Final on the line when we face Hyundai Steel Red Angels in Wuhan on Wednesday night.
It’s been a campaign of firsts for Michael Matricciani’s squad, and now, City has the opportunity to continue making history on Asia’s biggest stage.
Here’s what you need to know ahead of kick-off at 10pm AEST on Wednesday!
Continuing to Create History
City arrives in Wuhan with unfinished business, eager to respond after a heartbreaking domestic Semi-Final exit earlier this month.
While our record-breaking 31-match unbeaten run came to an end in that fixture, our AFC campaign rolls on – and the chance to end the season with more silverware remains very much alive.
Our journey in the AFC Women’s Champions League began back in October 2024, when we swept the Group Stage in Thailand with three straight wins while conceding just once.
We picked up where we left off in March with a 3-0 win over Taichung Blue Whale in Melbourne, featuring goals to Mariana Speckmaier and Holly McNamara.
Now, with just 180 minutes between us and the title, we face arguably our toughest test yet in Korean champions Hyundai Steel Red Angels – a side steeped in experience and success in Asia.
Selection Questions in Attack
One of the biggest questions ahead of Wednesday’s clash surrounds the fitness of Golden Boot winner Holly McNamara.
After suffering a heavy collision and being substituted early in our most recent outing, her availability remains touch and go. She’s travelled to China and has been training, but a final call will be made closer to kick-off.
In the event McNamara isn’t cleared to start, Michael Matricciani has several options at his disposal. Shelby McMahon was her immediate replacement against the Mariners, while Mariana Speckmaier – back from injury and in red-hot AWCL form – is also a strong contender.
The Venezuelan international has scored in every Champions League appearance so far and sits equal third in the AWCL Golden Boot standings.
Other possibilities include a reshuffle involving Bryleeh Henry, Rhianna Pollicina or Kathryn Harvey, all of whom could slot into attacking roles should Matricciani choose to mix things up.
A Formidable Opponent
Hyundai Steel Red Angels arrive in the Semi-Final as the reigning WK League champions and bring with them plenty of experience on the big stage.
The Korean powerhouse progressed through their Group Stage unbeaten, with two wins and a draw, and edged out Bam Khatoon in the Quarter-Final thanks to a late winner from Kim Myeong-jin.
While they’ve struggled for form domestically – currently sitting fourth and winless in their last four outings – there’s no doubt they’ll be switched on and hungry for success in Wednesday night’s Semi-Final.
City fans can tune in and cheer on from home, with the match to be broadcast live and free via 10play.
Fixture Details
AFC Women’s Champions League: Semi-Final 2
Hyundai Steel Red Angels v Melbourne City FC
Wuhan Sports Centre Stadium, Wuhan, China
Wednesday 21 May, 10:00pm KO (AEST)
Broadcast live and free via 10play.
