AFC Women's Champions League
Last season’s runners-up, Melbourne exhibited dominance in the 5-0 victory against Lion City Sailors FC with Matricciani pleased to see how his side grew increasingly confident with every passing minute in the game.
#AWCL | Group A: Melbourne City FC (AUS) 5-0 Lion City Sailors FC (SGP)
“We had to get used to the conditions early,” said Matricciani. “After 20-25 minutes, we started creating more chances, started to open up and get into the rhythm of our game.
“After half-time, we made a few adjustments and the players controlled the game really well, created more opportunities, got five goals and started the group stage with a clean sheet as well.”
“After half-time, we made a few adjustments and the players controlled the game really well, created more opportunities, got five goals and started the group stage with a clean sheet as well.”
Matricciani's decision to give 18-year-old Danella Butrus her debut was rewarded with a lively display with the young forward bagging the fourth goal with a sweet left-footed strike.
“With Dani, it was her first start. From day one that we signed her, she’s been a lot of energy. Good qualities in one-on-one situations in wide areas.
“She had a really good game and I’m pleased for her. She took her opportunity, scored a goal and created a number of chances.”
“With Dani, it was her first start. From day one that we signed her, she’s been a lot of energy. Good qualities in one-on-one situations in wide areas.
“She had a really good game and I’m pleased for her. She took her opportunity, scored a goal and created a number of chances.”
#AWCL | Group A: Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC (VIE) 1-0 Stallion Laguna FC (PHI)
In the other fixture, Ho Chi Minh City Women's FC’s second half resurgence earned them a hard-fought 1-0 win over Stallion Laguna of the Philippines.
After a listless first half, Ho Chi Minh City took the lead in the 58th minute thanks to a brilliant free-kick from Huynh Nhu, which eased the pressure for Nguyen Hong Pham’s side.
After a listless first half, Ho Chi Minh City took the lead in the 58th minute thanks to a brilliant free-kick from Huynh Nhu, which eased the pressure for Nguyen Hong Pham’s side.
“There is always pressure in the opening match. The opponents’ physicality and high pressing made it difficult in the first half but after half-time we adjusted and regained control,” said Nguyen.
“Huynh Nhu’s goal relieved the pressure and boosted the team’s confidence. This allowed us to play our game until the final whistle.”
“Huynh Nhu’s goal relieved the pressure and boosted the team’s confidence. This allowed us to play our game until the final whistle.”
Midfielder Tran Thi Thu Thao added that it was the home support that drove the team to keep pushing for the winner.
“Our motivation today came from playing at home, which drove us to win the game. Every team is strong, good in the air, and has excellent ball control, so every match will be challenging. But we are determined to qualify for the next round.”
Melbourne City will face Stallion on Sunday while Ho Chi Minh City meet Sailors.
“Our motivation today came from playing at home, which drove us to win the game. Every team is strong, good in the air, and has excellent ball control, so every match will be challenging. But we are determined to qualify for the next round.”
Melbourne City will face Stallion on Sunday while Ho Chi Minh City meet Sailors.
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