Mary Fowler was right in the thick of the action as Manchester City cruised to a 4-1 Women's UEFA Champions League victory over Inter Milan.
Given a rare start at centre-forward, Matildas star Fowler didn't hit the score sheet herself but certainly played her part as City scored their first win after three draws, moving the English champions into seventh place in the standings.
Elisa Bartoli fired the hosts ahead in Monza on Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT), but City replied with a double from Aoba Fujino to lead 2-1 at the break, with Kerstin Casparij and Grace Clinton also on target in the second half.
City looked to test Inter when Clinton headed wide and Fujino sent an effort off target, before the hosts went ahead in the 24th minute.
Inter goalkeeper Cecilia Runarsdottir made saves from Iman Beney and Laura Blindkilde Brown, but City didn't have to wait long to equalise, Fujino levelling in the 33rd minute.
City doubled their lead in the 44th minute when Fowler's shot was saved by Runarsdottir and the rebound reached Fujino, who coolly rolled the ball into the net.
After the break, City's Sam Coffey controlled the ball before playing a quick pass in for Casparij and the fullback turned to chip home in the 56th minute.
City piled on the pressure and Fowler was again denied by Runarsdottir, before they struck again in the 70th minute, Clinton stabbing home to wrap up the three points.
While Fowler had cause to celebrate, fellow Matilda Ellie Carpenter endured a frustrating night, but for veteran Australian Aivi Luik it was one to cherish.
The 41-year-old Luik was at the heart of a battling defensive performance by Swedish champions BK Hacken, who held Carpenter's Chelsea to a goalless draw in Gothenburg.
Carpenter, rampaging down the right from wing-back, created a series of chances and had several herself with five of the visitors' 29 shots, but was unable to add to her five goals this season.
Nor could anyone else. Chelsea no longer have Sam Kerr up front to tuck away their chances, the Australia captain now playing for National Women's Soccer League leaders Gotham in the USA.
While Carpenter chases a third Champions League winners' medal after winning two at Lyon, Luik is just trying to stay ahead of Father Time. The former Matildas defender is extending her record as the oldest woman to feature in the competition every time she takes to the park.
Tuesday night's action will have encouraged her to keep going for some time yet, though Hacken, with just two points from four games, are in danger of not making the next stage.
Chelsea are better placed after two wins and two draws, but with only the top four of the 18 teams progressing directly to the quarter-finals will regret dropping two points in Scandinavia.
Australian Associated Press, with Agencies
