Matildas Abroad Review: Fowler scores in City demolition; work to do in second leg for Arsenal

Taryn Heddo 1726719310,1726722361

Several CommBank Matildas were in action in continental competitions midweek, featuring in big wins, dramatic comebacks and big upsets.

Read our review of the action below.

UEFA Women’s Champions League

FC Twente have put themselves in pole position to reach the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage for the first time with a 4-1 victory over Croatian champions ŽNK Osijek. Ella Peddemors got the scoring started in the first half before Alieke Tuin, Nikée can Dijk and Amanda Andradóttir’s second half goals made sure of the result.

Daniela Galic came off the bench in the second half to help seal the result. The second leg will take place next week.

Mary Fowler scored one of five Manchester City goals as they demolished Paris FC 5-0 in Paris. Vivienne Miedema scored her first competitive goal in City colours to get things underway before a brace to Jess Park, Fowler, and Chloe Kelly created an almighty margin for Paris to overcome in the second leg.

Mary Fowler celebrates with Manchester City teammates after scoring her side's third goal against Paris FC during the UEFA Women's Champions League Round 2 Qualifying in Paris, France. (Photo: IMAGO / PanoramiC)

Fowler started and played the full match while Alanna Kennedy was a second-half substitute for City. Sarah Hunter was an unused substitute for Paris FC.

BK Häcken has upset Arsenal 1-0 thanks to a second-half Tabby Tindell goal. The Gunners had 17 shots to 4, and 68% possession, but it wasn’t enough to give themselves work to do to overturn the result in the second leg next week.

Kyra Cooney-Cross started the match for Arsenal, while Caitlin Foord came off the bench in the second half. Steph Catley was unavailable with injury.

CONCACAF W Champions Cup

San Diego Wave pulled off a remarkable second-half comeback thanks to a María Sánchez hat-trick to defeat the Portland Thorns 3-2. The Thorns took a two-goal lead thanks to goals from Sophia Smith and Reilyn Turner, before Sánchez led the turnaround for the Wave.

The result puts the Wave at the top of Group B, with two wins from 2, while the Thorns are in third with one win.

Emily van Egmond started the game and played the full match for the Wave. Kaitlyn Torpey was an unused substitute, her first appearance in a match day squad since the Olympics. Mackenzie Arnold, meanwhile, was an unused substitute for the Thorns.