Melbourne City FC will host a home AFC Women’s Champions League Quarter Final in March after completing a dominant and undefeated Group Stage campaign in Vietnam.
Three games, three wins, 15 goals scored, and none conceded, it was a flawless Group Stage campaign in Ho Chi Minh City from Michael Matricciani’s side who topped Group A in style and again stamped themselves as genuine contenders on the continental stage.
For the second consecutive season, City has earned a home Quarter Final in the competition.
While the team’s place in the knockout rounds is now confirmed, their opponents remain unknown, with the official draw scheduled to take place on January 8 and Quarter Final fixtures set for late March.
City’s Group A campaign began with a composed 5-0 win over Singapore’s Lion City Sailors, before recording the Club’s biggest-ever women’s victory in a 7-0 rout of Stallion Laguna, and wrapping up top spot with a 3-0 defeat of hosts Ho Chi Minh City.
City’s Group Stage campaign was defined not only by results, but the depth and even contribution shown across the squad. Whether it was the threat of Holly McNamara and Shelby McMahon or new signings Danella Butrus and Deven Jackson, Matricciani’s side consistently found new ways to threaten in attack.
Just as impressive was the team’s organisation without the ball.
Across all three matches, City didn’t concede a single goal, the only team in the group to manage that feat. Anchored by captain Rebekah Stott and Taylor Otto, the defensive unit showed great composure, with the midfielders and forwards alike working to maintain the team’s compact shape and control over matches.
As the team heads into the international break, City will be looking to carry their winning momentum when they return to A-League Women’s action against Wellington Phoenix at ctrl:cyber Pitch on Sunday 7 December.
Don’t miss our City girls returning home — secure your seats now!
