Melbourne City FC started their AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26 campaign with a dominant 5-0 victory over Lion City Sailors FC in Group A on November 13, 2025. The Australian side controlled the match from the outset, scoring all goals in Vietnam. Holly McNamara's brace from penalties highlighted the performance.
Melbourne City FC secured an emphatic 5-0 win against Lion City Sailors FC in their opening Group A tie of the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26 at Thong Nhat Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on Thursday, November 13, 2025.
The match began with Melbourne City asserting dominance early. In the 12th minute, Holly McNamara converted a penalty after an handball in the box, giving her side the lead. Last season’s Ninja A-League Golden Boot winner added her second from the spot in first-half stoppage time, following a foul on Danella Butrus inside the penalty area.
After the break, Melbourne City extended their advantage in the 55th minute when Alexia Apostolakis curled a superb effort into the top corner from outside the box. The fourth goal came soon after, with Leah Davidson playing Butrus in behind the defense; Butrus drilled a powerful left-footed shot past the keeper at the near post.
The rout concluded in the 73rd minute as Caitlin Karic tapped the ball into an unguarded net amid a defensive error by Lion City Sailors, who struggled to respond to Melbourne City's aggression.
Coach Michael Matricciani’s team, runners-up in last season’s AFC Champions League final on penalties to Wuhan, made a strong statement. The win positions Melbourne City well in the group, with upcoming fixtures against Stallion Laguna FC on November 16 and Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC on November 19, all played in the Vietnam hub.