Mary Fowler continues sparkling form as fellow Matildas players suffer brutal heartbreak

Matildas superstar Mary Fowler has put in an all-round performance for Manchester City as her team defeated Barcelona in the groups stage of the Champions League. Barcelona entered the clash as favourites with the Spanish side having lost just once in 18 group-stage games in the Women's Champions League.

The defending champions started brightly, but were quickly put on the back-foot due to City's counter-attack in the first half with Naomi Layzell taking the lead for City. Barcelona then piled on the pressure as City had to defend fiercely to keep a clean sheet.

Khadija Shaw then sealed points for City in the 77th minute after making a break on the counter and rounding Barcelona goalkeeper Cata Coll. This was enough to secure a famous City win for the club as many claim a power shift is happening at the top of women's football in the 2024/25 season.

And Fowler put in arguably one of her most complete performances for City in the blockbuster against Barcelona. The 20-year-old started out on the right wing, a position she has rarely played for the Matildas due to Hayley Raso, and was instrumental with her dribbling and weigh of passes.

Fowler had the most successful dribbles on the field come half-time and was wreaking havoc in the 4-3-3 formation. Many City and Matildas fans felt Fowler excelled on the right side of the field. She was given more room to use her quick feet and make incisive passes, which got lost during the Olympics campaign for the Matildas when she was isolated up front.

The 20-year-old continues to link-up well with Jamaican striker Shaw for City in promising signs. And her performance has gained plenty of praise from football fans. Unfortunately, Fowler wasn't able to return home to watch Nathan Cleary win his fourth straight premiership having played West Ham on the weekend in the Women's Super League. The Penrith Panthers boss copped criticism for a remark the club would like to bring Fowler back home - with Cleary looking to sign a long-term deal - but it appears the Matildas superstar is not going anywhere as she looks to carve out a stunning career in Europe.

Matildas trio lose in brutal Arsenal defeat

While Fowler enjoyed a win on a thrilling Champions League night, Matildas trio Caitlin Foord, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Steph Catley all lost as Arsenal went down 5-2 to Bayern Munich. Arsenal had been held to a frustrating 0-0 WSL draw by Everton on the weekend and were looking to bounce back in the Champions League.

And things got off to a good start for Arsenal who jumped out to a 1-0 lead. However, the German outfit were way too strong after a strong start.

Cooney-Cross and Catley started on the bench, but were brought on to hand the English side a boost as the game was in the balance. However, it all changed very quickly when former Chelsea star Pernille Harder got going. Harder's late second-half hat-trick sealed the 5-2 victory to leave Arsenal with a loss in the opening game.