Melbourne City coach wants to defeat Ho Chi Minh City Club I to win all

Head coach Michael Matricciani aims to win against Ho Chi Minh City Club I in the final round of the group stage of the 2025/26 Asian Women's Club Championship (AWCL), thereby completing a winning streak. Melbourne City and Ho Chi Minh City I both have 6 points after two matches, the Australian representative temporarily leads Group A on goal difference and only needs to avoid defeat to retain the top spot.

AWCL 2025/26 Group A Background

Ho Chi Minh City Club I is temporarily leading with 6 points after 2 matches: 1-0 win over Stallion Laguna (Philippines) and 2-0 win over Lion City Sailors (Singapore). The team has already qualified for the quarter-finals according to information from the Vietnam Football Federation.

Melbourne City also has 6 points after 2 wins, including a 7-0 victory over Stallion Laguna. Thanks to the superior goal difference, the Australian representative is temporarily ranked higher and according to the source, if they do not lose to TP HCM I, they will definitely advance to the semi-finals as the top team in Group A.

Statement by Coach Michael Matricciani

Head coach Michael Matricciani explains the difference between the two opponents Melbourne City faced and affirms their determination to complete the group stage perfectly:“Against Lion City they defended deep in a mid to low block which is always difficult but Laguna FC played differently as they pushed up quite high and almost played man-on-man, which gave us more space to attack and we played really well. It was great to win and we want to win again. We want to be top of the group and are looking forward to the final game against HCM City FC I.”

Tactical analysis: low block vs. high man marking

According to coach Matricciani, Melbourne City faced many challenges against Lion City when the opponent maintained a medium-low defense, forcing them to patiently deploy. On the contrary, Stallion Laguna proactively pushed up and almost played 1 on 1, opening up space behind for Melbourne City to exploit and score 7 goals.

The match against TP HCM I will therefore be a test of balance: the Vietnamese representatives have shown their ability to handle two different types of opponents, with clean sheets in both games. Melbourne City's decision between maintaining a fast-paced attack or increasing control against a disciplined defence will shape the game.

Notable statistics

• TP HCM I: 6 points/2 matches; won 1-0 against Stallion Laguna, won 2-0 against Lion City Sailors.
• Melbourne City: 6 points/2 wins; 7-0 win over Stallion Laguna.
• Melbourne City temporarily leads on goal difference, just need not lose to keep top spot in Group A.
• Ho Chi Minh City I has early qualified for the quarter-finals according to information from the Vietnam Football Federation.

Impact on the situation of Group A

The head-to-head match will decide the top spot in Group A: Melbourne City has the advantage in goal difference, while TP HCM I is aiming for a perfect group stage finish to confirm its position after two wins and a clean sheet streak.

Spiritual motivation: 300 million VND reward

On November 17, on behalf of the Executive Committee and Standing Committee of the Vietnam Football Federation, President of the Vietnam Football Federation Tran Quoc Tuan sent a congratulatory letter and a VND300 million bonus to the Ho Chi Minh City Women's Club for their early achievement of reaching the quarter-finals of the AWCL 2025/26. This is a timely source of encouragement before the crucial match.

Related Angle

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