Melbourne City breeze past Taichung Blue Whale in historic AFC Women’s Champions League clash | OneFootball

Melbourne City’s quest for continental glory remains on track as they overcame Taichung Blue Whale of Chinese Taipei in the AFC Women’s Champions League quarter-final. It was an historic day for City, as they hosted the first AFC Women’s Champions League in Australia.

City have swept all before them this season both at home and abroad. They’re unbeaten in their 20 Ninja A-League Women’s matches. They also topped their Champions League group with three wins from three.

The Australians made light work of their opposition. Mariana Speckmaier opened the scoring just four minutes in. She was on hand to convert following Taylor Otto’s flick-on from a corner.

City continued to press forward. Holly McNamara drew a sharp save from Tsai Ming-jung. The Taichung keeper got down smartly at her near post to keep out the in-form striker’s effort. McNamara was causing Taichung all sorts of problems and it was her cross that led to City’s second goal. The ball took a nasty deflection off of Li Pei-jung and crept in at the near post.

Melbourne City enjoy convincing win over Blue Whale

With just over an hour gone, McNamara put the game to bed. Tsai Ming-jung committed a foul on the Matilda to give away a penalty. The recently recalled Australia international picked herself up, selected her spot and blasted home.

The hosts were given the chance to add another from the spot in the 77th minute. A loose Blue Whale back pass was pounced on by Emilia Murray. Ming-jung raced off her line and only succeeded in bringing the City woman down. Leticia McKenna stepped up this time, but Ming-jung redeemed herself to save McKenna’s effort.

The side from Taipei nearly bagged a consolation in the dying stages. Maho Tanaka raced through on goal and her shot was spilled by Malena Mieres. The City keeper just about spared her own blushes to gather the ball on the line.

That win sets up a semi-final clash against Incheon Red Angels. The winner of the competition is also in line for a AUD $2 million payday. With that tie to be played on Wednesday 21st May, after the conclusion of the season, all focus will now shift to domestic matters as the club hones in on a Premiership and Grand Final double as well as an unbeaten season.

Related articles from Her Football Hub: