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China's Wuhan Zhang Da has become the first female Champions League winner.
Wuhan won the Asian Women's Champions League final after a shootout in the 2024-2025 season against Melberin City Women (Australia) at Wuhan Sports Center Stadium in Wuhan, China on the 24th (Korea time).
Wuhan, who was dragged by Shelby McMahon in the 31st minute of the second half, dragged the game into extra time with Wang Shuang's dramatic penalty equalizer in the 8th minute of extra time just before the end of the second half. Wuhan, which boldly changed its goalkeeper to Chen Chen in the ensuing penalty shootout, blocked shots from the opponent's fifth and sixth kickers one after another, enjoying a thrilling victory with a penalty shootout score of 5-4.
With this victory, Wuhan won a large prize of $1.3 million (about 1.7 billion won) and qualified for the 2026 Women's Football Club World Cup. Chinese sports media 'Titan Sports' gave the meaning of 'Chinese soccer became the first country for both men and women of the Asian Champions League to win the championship' Earlier, in 2013 and 2015, Guangzhou Evergrande won the men's Champions League twice.
Wuhan's winning process was a drama. Wuhan barely advanced to the tournament as third place in the group after 1 win and 2 losses in the group stage. Wuhan, which narrowly defeated the defending champion'Urawa Reds (Japan) in the quarterfinals with a penalty shootout, defeated Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) 2-0 in the semifinals to advance to the final.
Chen Chen said "It was a really tough time. Everyone feels burdened by such an important final, but at the same time, the desire to win and the desire to present a great game to the fans are desperate."
Wuhan coach Zhang Weiwei praised the dedication of veterans like Wang Shuang, while also thanking the young players for their struggles. "When the team was trailing, they were put into the game and played a good role. They fought hard to overcome the pressure and tie the game."
The Women's Champions League was held for the first time this season, taking over baton from the Women's Club Championship, which was held four times between 2019 and 2023. A total of 13 teams from East and West Asia competed against each other. In the WK League, Incheon Hyundai Steel participated and advanced to the semifinals without hesitation, but failed to advance to the final by losing 0-1 to Melbourne in the semifinals.
National defender Kim Hye-ri and Kenyan national striker Terry Engesha played for Incheon until last season and moved to Wuhan side by side earlier this year to lead them to the AWCL championship.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
