Manchester City Secures 2-0 Victory Against Chelsea in Champions League Quarter-Final
City Takes First Leg Advantage Over Previously Undefeated Chelsea
Football enthusiasts were left intrigued by Mary Fowler’s decision to wear black gloves during Manchester City’s dominant 2-0 triumph over Chelsea in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Vivianne Miedema, the Dutch forward, delivered a second-half double, shocking Chelsea and marking their first defeat of the season.
Fowler, with her distinctive gloves, was substituted in the 64th minute, as Manchester City positioned themselves favorably to progress to the semi-finals.
Fowler’s Glove Choice Explained
The Australian international previously disclosed the personal reason for wearing black gloves during the 2023 Women’s World Cup held on home soil.
“I honestly just wear gloves because I get really fidgety,” she revealed to former Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.
“Usually, I train with a ring, but if it’s cold, I wear gloves, and I can’t wear a ring in a match, so I typically opt for gloves.”
Mary Fowler sparked curiosity among football fans by wearing black gloves (pictured) in Manchester City’s 2-0 victory against Chelsea in their Champions League quarter-final first leg.
The Matildas player previously explained that the reason she sometimes wears black gloves on the field is due to habitual fidgeting.
Mary Fowler recently met with her boyfriend, NRL star Nathan Cleary, during his visit to the US ahead of Penrith’s season opener in Las Vegas.
Fidgeting Habit Shared with Fellow Athletes
Other Australian athletes, such as tennis icon Lleyton Hewitt and cricket star Steve Smith, are also known for their tendency to fidget.
Fowler’s US Visit to Boyfriend Nathan Cleary
This glove detail emerges after Fowler recently visited her boyfriend, NRL player Nathan Cleary, in the United States.
Cleary was in Las Vegas leading up to Penrith’s 2025 season commencement, while Fowler was also in America participating in the SheBelieves tournament with the Matildas.
Sam Kerr Injury Update
Meanwhile, Sam Kerr’s return to play remains uncertain. The Chelsea striker and Matildas’ all-time leading scorer was absent from the Chelsea substitutes list in Manchester.
Kerr suffered an ACL rupture at a training camp in Morocco in January 2024 and has not participated in a competitive match since.
Chelsea Manager Acknowledges Defeat
Following the match, Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor conceded that her team faces a significant challenge after the loss.
“I feel considerable frustration,” she stated to reporters. “However, I accept responsibility for the performance and the outcome.”
“My immediate task is to ensure we maintain a positive outlook as we approach our upcoming matches.”
“We have experienced only one defeat this season… it is a significant one, an important one, but it is part of the game.”
Champions League Second Leg Details
The UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg is scheduled for Stanford Bridge on March 28, commencing at 7am AEDT.