The Michael Matricciani era at Melbourne City is underway after the reigning Ninja A-League premiers kicked off their historic AFC Women’s Champions League campaign with a 2-1 win over Bam Khatoon FC.
City made a winning start to the inaugural competition in Group B thanks to Player of the Match Rhianna Pollicina, who scored the club’s first ever Champions League goal five minutes before half-time on Sunday.
New signing Mariana Speckmaier, who joined from A-Leagues rivals Wellington Phoenix in the off-season, found the back of the net on debut to see off the Iranian side in Thailand, where Bam Khatoon pulled a goal back in the second half to set up a nervy finale.
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But City got the job done in Matricciani’s first competitive match in charge after replacing Dario Vidosic for the 2024-25 campaign.
Matricciani named three debutants in his starting XI – goalkeepers Malena Mieres, Alexia Apostolakis and Speckmaier, while Emilia Murray came off the bench to make her bow as Tyla-Jay Vlajnic made her second debut having returned to the club from Western United.
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“Alexia is a top player. She just came off the U20 World Cup as a centre-back. She’s slotted in extremely well, along with all the other players,” Matricciani told reporters post-match.
“I thought Mariana Speckmaier had an excellent game too. I thought her movement and goal was outstanding. It was great to give TJ (Vlajnic) as well, coming back to the club after being away for a few years.
“And some girls who came off the bench and had their debut for the club.
“It’s a really exciting time. It’s a good mood around the group.”
City will be back in action on Wednesday night when they face College of Asian Scholars in Group B.
“The beauty is the majority of the squad is the same so their understanding of how things are done makes my job a lot easier,” Matricciani added.
“We want to just keep adding to the success of the club. They were the premiers last season and that’s why we’re at this tournament.
“For myself and the new players, it’s an honour we get to be here on the back of their success.”
For Matricciani, it was an unforgettable evening.
Before completing his move to City, he guided Campbelltown City to the 2024 NPLM SA Championship.
On Sunday, he won his first professional match as a head coach.
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“Excellent,” said the 38-year-old.
“Like mini (Pollicina) said before, it’s always a team effort. The amount of work the staff do to prepare the players, especially from the club’s point of view – giving us an extra day and extra little things that fans and people back home don’t quite realise.
“All those small details make a big difference.
“On a personal note, it’s very pleasing to coach my first professional match. I’m absolutely loving the last four or five weeks with these girls and I’m looking forward to the next matches, and the rest of the season.”
