Melbourne City secured our place in the 2026 Ninja A-League Grand Final with another composed and disciplined performance in Saturday afternoon’s Semi Final Second Leg at ctrl:cyber Pitch.
After taking a narrow advantage into the fixture, City again defeated Melbourne Victory 1-0 on the day to complete a deserved 2-0 aggregate victory across the two legs.
For the second consecutive week, teenage midfielder Shelby McMahon starred in the middle of the park and was again crowned Player of the Match, with her stunning first-half strike proving the difference in the decisive second leg.
Team News
Michael Matricciani elected to stick with a winning formula for the Second Leg, naming an unchanged matchday squad following last weekend’s 1-0 win at AAMI Park.
Starting XI: 24. Malena MIERES (GK), 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 13. Rebekah STOTT (C), 5. Taylor OTTO, 3. Dan TURNER, 12. Shelby McMAHON, 18. Leah DAVIDSON, 6. Leticia McKENNA, 22. Bryleeh HENRY, 21. Aideen KEANE, 9. Holly McNAMARA.
Substitutes: 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 25. Ayana AOYAGI (GK), 2. Ellie WILSON, 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 11. Deven JACKSON, 14. Laura HUGHES, 20. Caitlin KARIC.
What happened?
City made a calm and composed start to the contest as both sides eased into the high-stakes Semi Final decider.
Leticia McKenna had the game’s first look at goal in the fourth minute, though her effort was well blocked by the Victory defence, while Holly McNamara soon threatened after clever build-up play involving Aideen Keane created space in the box. McNamara managed to work a shot away from a tight angle, but Victory did enough to force it behind for a corner.
The opening stages saw both sides trade periods of possession, though City looked comfortable and in control throughout much of the first half.
That control was rewarded in the 34th minute thanks to a moment of brilliance from McMahon.
The move initially began with the 17-year-old slipping a clever ball through for Keane, whose touch inside the area was blocked. Fortunately for City, the loose ball sat up perfectly for McMahon, who reacted quickest and lashed a brilliant half-volley into the back of the net to double City’s aggregate lead.
Victory attempted to respond before the break and almost found an equaliser through Holly Furphy, but Malena Mieres was alert to the danger and produced a sharp save from long range in the 40th minute to preserve City’s advantage heading into half-time.
The visitors returned from the break with increased urgency knowing they needed to chase the game, though City’s defensive structure again stood strong under pressure.
Keane came agonisingly close to putting the tie beyond doubt in the 52nd minute after battling through an ankle scare late in the first half. The attacker burst through on goal and found herself one-on-one with Courtney Newbon, but the Victory goalkeeper managed to get the slightest fingertip on the strike to turn it narrowly past the post.
While Victory enjoyed more territory during stages of the second half, City continued to look composed defensively, with captain Rebekah Stott leading strongly from the back and Mieres again producing an assured performance between the posts.
Leah Davidson also threatened with a pair of half chances as City continued to look dangerous on transition.
There was some concern late in the contest when both Karly Roestbakken and Keane were forced from the field with injuries, though City never lost composure despite the interruptions.
Instead, Matricciani’s side professionally managed the closing stages to secure a comfortable aggregate victory and book our place in another Ninja A-League Grand Final.
What’s next?
Up next is the biggest match of the season, with City now looking to complete the domestic double when we take to the pitch in next Saturday’s Ninja A-League Grand Final.
City will face either Brisbane Roar or Wellington Phoenix at AAMI Park in a 4:15pm kick-off.
Tickets will go on sale from 9am on Monday morning, with Members entitled to a 20% discount during the first 24 hours of sales.
