The UWCL round 2 has kicked off with the 12 two-legged ties deciding the teams that will join title holders Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern München and Chelsea in the group stage.
It was a mixed start for our Aussies in round 2 of the UWCL with FC Rosengård facing defeat at home, while Arsenal bagged a convincing win over Slavia Praha. Across the pond in Madrid, Hayley Raso made her debut for Manchester City in their 1-1 draw.
FC Rosengård v Hoffenheim
After a quarter-final exit in last season's UWCL, Rosengård was looking to get their campaign started with a win at home. Sadly they would be defeated 3-0 by the side from Germany.
Teagan Micah made her much anticipated UWCL debut, this game was Micah's second appearance for the club after signing a two-year deal off the back of a stellar Olympic Games debut in Tokyo.
Despite the three-goal deficit, Micah was able to make crucial saves to keep Rosengård in the fixture.
Charli Grant was an unused substitute in the 3-0 defeat, with Rosengård having a chance to turn their hopes around in the second leg next Thursday.
TSG 1899 Hoffenheim vs FC Rosengård
Date: Thursday, September 9
Kick-off: 3:00 am AEST
Live on: Wnited
Arsenal v Slavia Praha
Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley were both a part of the starting lineup when the Gunners faced a familiar outfit in Slavia Praha. After the last UWCL fixture between the two finished 11-2 on aggregate, the game promised goals galore.
The game would finish 3-0 to the home side, with plenty of momentum going into the second leg.
In front of a home crowd Arsenal showed dominance, with Nikita Parris finding the opener just two minutes in.
At the stroke of the 30-minute mark, Foord was brought down in the box, winning Arsenal a penalty which captain Kim Little had no problem capitalising off.
Catley would go on to play out the full game at left-back, while Lydia Williams remained on the bench in the fixture.
SK Slavia Praha vs Arsenal
Date: Friday, September 10
Kick-off: 2:30 am AEST
Real Madrid v Manchester City
Manchester City faced European debutants Real Madrid, in a game that promised fireworks.
The home side had the perfect opportunity to open the scoring late in the first half when a penalty kick was awarded, but Esther González was unable to convert from the spot.
Caroline Weir's goal in the 47th minute looked to have separated the two sides until an injury-time equaliser in the 92nd minute for the home side sealed the 1-1 drew.
Hayley Raso made her debut for City and saw her first minutes in a UWCL fixture, coming on in the 60th minute.
Alanna Kennedy was an unused substitute, with such a quick turnaround until the start of the WSL on Saturday, City will be tested on their ability to rotate their squad ahead of their upcoming second-leg against Madrid.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid
Date: Thursday, September 9
Kick-off: 4:00 am AEST