Wuhan Clinches Asian Champions League Title Over Melbourne City in Penalty Shootout Thanks to Chen’s Stellar Performance

Wuhan Jiangdu of China clinched the inaugural Asian Women’s Champions League title on Saturday, triumphing 5-4 in a dramatic penalty shoot-out against Melbourne City after the match ended 1-1 following extra time. Substitute goalkeeper Chen Chen proved decisive, making two crucial saves that secured the championship for her team in front of a home crowd.

With the shoot-out tension high, Chen denied City’s captain Rebekah Stott in the final round of regular penalties, forcing the contest into sudden death. She then saved Bryleeh Henry’s attempt, ensuring Wuhan took home the $1 million prize.

Wuhan had levelled the match in dramatic fashion, as Wang Shuang scored a penalty deep into injury time—just as it seemed defeat was imminent—after 17-year-old City midfielder Shelby McMahon had given the Australians the lead with just 16 minutes remaining.

This victory positions Wuhan as the first-ever champions of this newly established competition, which was launched by the Asian Football Confederation after various pilot events held previously under the Asian Women’s Club Championship.

Wang nearly opened the scoring for Wuhan just before halftime, forcing City goalkeeper Malena Mieres to tip a long-range shot over the bar with her last touch of the first half.

Chen, who replaced Ding Xuan during the interval, denied McMahon within four minutes of the restart by blocking her low shot, and later saved another close-range effort from Henry.

As the match progressed, Mieres was also called into action, making a crucial save to push aside Song Duan’s attempt around the hour mark.

City broke the deadlock with 14 minutes to go when McMahon found space to convert a well-placed header from McKenna’s cross, giving Chen little chance as it flew by her right side.

However, deep into injury time, the tide turned when Mariana Speckmaier of City inadvertently handled the ball in the box, leading referee Asaka Koizumi to award a penalty. Wang stepped up, converting the spot-kick to equalise just as time was running out.

City had multiple chances to seal the victory in extra time but fell short, even as Mieres initially saved Song’s penalty in the fourth round of the shoot-out.

With the title on the line, Stott’s shot was saved by Chen. Following Zhao Yuxin’s successful penalty for Wuhan in sudden death, Chen dived to her right once more, denying Henry and sealing the championship for Wuhan Jiangdu.