There were mixed results for the CommBank Matildas Abroad this weekend as the WSL returned for the first time in 2025.
Meanwhile, Lyon returned to the winner’s circle with a victory over title rivals PSG.
Read our review of all the action below.
England
Liverpool started their new year with a massive 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion. Olivia Smith gave them the lead in the first half, before Nikita Parris equalised in the second for Brighton. However, the Reds would not be denied, with an own goal proving the winner late in the second half. Teagan Micah started the game between the sticks for Liverpool.
Everton have come from behind to rescue a late 1-1 draw against Aston Villa. Rachel Daly scored in the first half for Villa and they held that lead for most of the game, until an 89th minute for Veatriki Sarri secured a point. Clare Wheeler started and played the full match for Everton.
Despite having no shots on target, Tottenham Hotspur defeated Leicester City 1-0. An own goal in the fourth minute changed the game state and Spurs were able to hold on from there. Hayley Raso started the match for Spurs, with Charli Grant a second-half substitute and Clare Hunt unused on the bench. Courtney Nevin was an unused substitute for Leicester.
Arsenal defeated Crystal Palace 5-0 in a comprehensive first performance of 2025. Leah Williamson, Alessia Russo, Beth Mead, and a brace to Mariona Caldentey sealed the result with 77% possession and 24 shots to 3. Steph Catley and Kyra Cooney-Cross started and played the full game for the Gunners while Caitlin Foord was a second-half substitute.
Chelsea continued their undefeated season with a 5-0 victory over West Ham. Catarina Macario, Erin Cuthbert, Aggie Beever-Jones and Sandy Baltimore were the goal scorers for the Blues. Sam Kerr remains unavailable for Chelsea due to injury while Katrina Gorry started and played the full match for West Ham.
Manchester United have triumphed 4-2 in an eventful Manchester Derby. An Ella Toone hattrick was the headline for United as they raced to a three-goal lead in the first half. A goal to Vivianne Midema – assisted by Mary Fowler – and Rebecca Knaak’s first goal in the competition got things back to 3-2 - also assisted by Fowler, but Toone’s hattrick goal after the break was enough to solidify the result.
Mary Fowler started and played the full game for City. Alanna Kennedy was not in the match-day squad.
France
Lyon asserted their title credentials with a 2-0 victory over PSG. Melchie Dumornay and Kadidiatou Diani were the goal-scorers in the first half, and the defending champions did not relinquish their lead from there. Ellie Carpenter started and played the full game for Lyon.
Netherlands
Daniela Galic's FC Twente recorded a 4-1 win over Fortuna Sittard. Charlotte Hulst opened the scoring in the ninth minute for Twente, before Fortuna equalised just four minutes later. A brace to Jaimy Ravensbergen and a goal to defender Alieke Tuin sealed the win. Galic was not named in the match-day squad.