Melbourne City cruise into AFC Women's Champions League semi-finals

The first Women's Champions League match held in Australia ultimately turned out to be one-sided, much to the delight of nearly 2,000 City supporters who gathered for this historic event at AAMI Park.

The three-time A-League Women champions quickly established their superiority, scoring within just four minutes when Mariana Speckmaier struck a bouncing corner kick into the top corner of the net, setting the tone for the match.

Twelve minutes later, after failing to convert a well-executed one-two with her captain Rebekah Stott, City forward Holly McNamara benefited from a stroke of luck when her left-footed cross from within the box deflected off Taichung Blue Whale defender Pei-Jung Li and found the back of the net, allowing the Australians to maintain their momentum.

McNamara further solidified her contribution by winning and successfully converting a penalty after being fouled by Taichung goalkeeper Tsai Ming-jung in a reckless challenge.

Her teammate Leticia McKenna, however, was unable to capitalize on the second penalty awarded to City in the half, as she shot directly at Tsai and mishandled the rebound, but by that stage, the outcome of the match was already decided.

Melbourne City is set to face South Korean team Incheon Red Angels in the AFC Women's Champions League semi-finals at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo on May 21, with the final scheduled to take place at the same venue just three days later.

Reports indicate that the players could receive individual bonuses of approximately $50,000 each if they succeed in winning the championship.

SportsLigue