Continental football is back on the agenda for Melbourne City as we prepare to resume our AFC Women’s Champions League campaign on Wednesday afternoon.
A Semi Final showdown against Japanese powerhouse Tokyo Verdy Beleza awaits in South Korea, with City looking to carry the momentum of Saturday’s Championship-winning performance onto the Asian stage.
After completing the domestic double at AAMI Park, attention has quickly turned to another major opportunity, with a place in the AFC Women’s Champions League Final on the line.
Here are the key talking points ahead of Wednesday’s Semi Final.
Continuing the momentum after a short turnaround
City arrives in South Korea full of confidence after one of the most memorable nights in the Club’s history, securing a fifth Ninja A-League Championship and first since 2020 with a commanding 3-1 Grand Final victory over Wellington Phoenix.
The triumph completed the domestic double for Michael Matricciani’s side, marking the third time Melbourne City Women have achieved the feat and further underlining an outstanding campaign.
Holly McNamara’s quickfire double before half-time proved decisive at AAMI Park, before Leticia McKenna added a spectacular third early in the second half to help seal the Championship.
While there were plenty of celebrations following the final whistle, they were short-lived. The squad was back on the move less than 24 hours later, departing for South Korea early on Sunday morning to begin preparations for the AFC Women’s Champions League Semi Final.
After arriving in Suwon and settling into their surroundings, City has completed several light training sessions and recovery blocks as focus shifts entirely to Wednesday’s challenge.
Importantly, Matricciani will have a full squad available for selection. Junior Matildas trio Izabella Rako, Kaya Jugovic and Keira Sarris have rejoined the group after international duty, while Chinaza Uchendu is also available after being sidelined through suspension throughout the Ninja A-League Finals series.
A new opponent awaits
As has been the case throughout City’s AFC Women’s Champions League journey, another unfamiliar opponent stands in the way.
Tokyo Verdy Beleza secured qualification for this season’s competition after winning Japan’s WE League title, their first since the competition’s introduction in 2020.
The Japanese outfit boasts significant pedigree on the continental stage, having previously won the AFC Women’s Club Championship in 2019, the precursor to the AFC Women’s Champions League.
Tokyo has impressed throughout the current campaign and remains unbeaten in AFC Women’s Champions League competition. Their Quarter Final performance was particularly eye-catching, defeating Stallion Laguna 5-0 to book a place in the final four.
Domestically, Tokyo recently completed its league season with a third-place finish and also lifted the WE League Cup. They head into Wednesday’s clash in strong form, winning seven of their last 10 matches across all competitions, including a 2-1 victory in their final league fixture.
It promises to be another stern test for City against one of Asia’s most accomplished clubs.
Chasing more history
This season has already been one for the history books.
City became the first team in Ninja A-League history to win three consecutive full-season Premierships before adding a fifth Championship to the trophy cabinet just days ago.
Now attention turns to another opportunity to create history on the continental stage.
After reaching the inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League Final last season, City has the chance to become the first club to qualify for consecutive finals in the competition’s short history.
Should Wednesday’s hurdle be cleared, a shot at continental glory and a remarkable treble would await. However, all focus remains firmly on the challenge directly ahead.
With two of Asia’s strongest teams set to collide and a place in the Final at stake, an intense and high-quality contest awaits in Suwon.
Fixture Details
AFC Women’s Champions League Semi Final
Melbourne City FC v Tokyo Verdy Beleza
Wednesday 20 May, 3:00pm (AEST)
Suwon Sports Complex, South Korea
Watch live via 10 Play, Paramount+ or YouTube
