The Melbourne City coach wants to defeat Ho Chi Minh City FC I to achieve a perfect winning record.

Head coach Michael Matricciani aims for a victory against Ho Chi Minh City FC I in the final group stage match of the 2025/26 Asian Women's Club Championship (AWCL), thereby completing a perfect winning streak. Melbourne City and Ho Chi Minh City FC I both have 6 points after two matches, with the Australian representative temporarily leading Group A thanks to goal difference and only needing to avoid defeat to maintain their top position.

Context of Group A AWCL 2025/26

Ho Chi Minh City FC I is currently leading with 6 points after 2 matches: a 1-0 win against Stallion Laguna (Philippines) and a 2-0 win against Lion City Sailors (Singapore). The team has already secured a place in the quarterfinals, according to information from the Vietnam Football Federation.

Melbourne City also has 6 points after two consecutive wins, including a 7-0 victory against Stallion Laguna. Thanks to their superior goal difference, the Australian representative is temporarily ranked higher and, according to the source, only needs to avoid defeat against TP HCM I to secure their place in the semi-finals as group A winners.

Statement by coach Michael Matricciani

Head coach Michael Matricciani explained the difference between the two opponents Melbourne City have faced and affirmed their determination to complete the group stage flawlessly:“Against Lion City, they defended deep in a medium to low block, which is always difficult, but Laguna FC played differently, pushing quite high and almost playing man-to-man marking. This gave us more space to attack, and we played really well. It’s great to win, and we want to win again. We want to finish top of the table and are really looking forward to the match against Ho Chi Minh City FC I in the final round.”

Tactical analysis: low block vs. tall man marking

According to coach Matricciani, Melbourne City faced many challenges against Lion City as their opponents maintained a medium-low defensive block, forcing them to be patient in their build-up play. Conversely, Stallion Laguna proactively pushed forward and almost played man-to-man marking, creating space behind them for Melbourne City to exploit and score 7 goals.

The match against Ho Chi Minh City I will therefore be a test of balance: the Vietnamese representative has demonstrated the ability to handle two different types of opponents, with clean sheets in both matches. Melbourne City's decision between maintaining a fast-paced attack or increasing control against a disciplined defensive block will shape the game.

Notable statistics

• Ho Chi Minh City I: 6 points/2 matches; won 1-0 against Stallion Laguna, won 2-0 against Lion City Sailors.
• Melbourne City: 6 points/2 wins out of 2 matches; won 7-0 against Stallion Laguna.
• Melbourne City are currently leading on goal difference and only need to avoid defeat to retain first place in Group A.
• Ho Chi Minh City I has already secured a place in the quarterfinals, according to information from the Vietnam Football Federation.

Impact on the standings in Group A

The direct confrontation will decide the top spot in Group A: Melbourne City has the advantage in goal difference, while Ho Chi Minh City I aims for a perfect group stage finish to solidify their position after two wins and a series of clean sheets.

Mental motivation: a reward of 300 million VND.

On November 17th, on behalf of the Executive Committee and the Standing Committee of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan sent a congratulatory letter and awarded 300 million VND to the Ho Chi Minh City women's club for their early qualification for the quarterfinals of the AWCL 2025/26. This is a timely encouragement before the crucial match.

Related angles

In a related article, coach Nguyen Hong Pham of Ho Chi Minh City I Club praised the fighting spirit of Lion City Sailors after their encounter in the AFC Champions League Women.