Sydney
Allianz Stadium
Saturday, 10 Nov 2012
7:45AM AEDT
Melbourne Victory
I Necevski
1
S Ryall
2
F Macedo
3
P Bosschaart
4
B Emerton
7
P Reid
9
A Al Hilfi
22
R Grant
0
A Del Piero
10
B Powell
12
J Glaize Yau
21
V Janjetovic
20
T McClenahan
0
T McFlynn
15
M Mallia
14
Preview: Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory
Date: Saturday, November 10, 2012
Kick-off: 7.45pm AEDT
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Head-to-head:
Played 24: Wins: Sydney FC 5, Victory 7, Draws: 12
Previous encounter:
Sydney FC 1-0 Victory, March 10, 2012
Form:
Past five matches:
Sydney FC: LLWWL
Victory: LLWLW
The Game:
It's been a week of inquisitions and soul-searching at Sydney FC after last weekend's 7-2 annihilation at the hands of the Central Coast.
Sky Blues fans and coach Ian Crook will be expecting an immediate response from his players and what better way to banish the demons of the club's worst-ever defeat than by beating fierce rivals Melbourne Victory.
In a huge boost for Sydney Italian superstar Alessandro De Piero is almost certain to return after missing the Mariners debacle with hamstring soreness.
The Sky Blues' defensive woes could be eased for this clash with Pascal Bosschaart, Adam Griffths and Fabio all a chance to return from injury. Bosschaart and Griffiths both played 45 minutes in a friendly game against Western Sydney this week and if they pull-up well Crook is likely to rush them straight back in.
Socceroos midfielder Jason Culina also played in that match and is a contender for a spot on the bench. It's a lot more settled at Victory, who have no new injury concerns and have moved into the top six for the first time this season on the back of their 3-2 win over Wellington.
While they continue to leak goals against them, the Victory's attacking weapons of Archie Thompson, Marco Rojas, Marcos Flores and Gui Finkler are all in good form and will relish the prospect of taking on a shaky Sydney back-four.
The big issue
Sydney: He may only be in his first season in charge but Ian Crook is an experienced coach and he will need to use all his powers to repair the shattered confidence of his players.
It's only natural that last week's thrashing will have sapped a lot of belief out of the Sky Blues squad which they will need to rediscover quickly if they are a chance against the Victory. The possible return of a couple of key defenders could help but they will need more than that to turn things around.
It's vital they start well or the home fans may get on their back and what's left of their brittle confidence could be eaten away, making this weekend's challenge even greater.
Victory: The two-time champions were breathtaking in the opening hour against the Phoenix but almost undid all their good work by clocking off early. The late lapse was something coach Ange Postecoglou has taken notice of and he will be stressing the need to see games out with much greater efficiency if they are to continue to rise up the ladder.
The game breaker
Alessandro Del Piero: It's too much to say Del Piero's absence was the sole reason for his side's heavy loss to the Mariners but there's no doubt the Sky Blues players feel much more comfortable when he is on the field.
He should be fresh after the week off and if Sydney can tighten things up at the back, Del Piero's brilliance at the other end could turn the game in their favour. The Italian veteran turns 38 the day before the game and would love nothing more than to celebrate his birthday with a goal and a win.
Prediction
Sydney 2-3 Victory: No matter where they are on the table or what type of form either side is in, this clash has always been hard to pick and fiercely contested.
Given the week the Sky Blues have had you can expect even more feeling and desperation in this one. While the return of a couple of key defenders will help the home side's cause, it should be remembered they will be lacking match-fitness and sharpness, which could be a factor against the class and pace of the Victory's attack.
Melbourne's own defensive frailties means Sydney will always be a threat in attack but it's difficult to see the Sky Blues being able to completely turn things around in a week. The Victory should edge this one in an entertaining and high-scoring affair.
Kick-off: 7.45pm AEDT
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Head-to-head:
Played 24: Wins: Sydney FC 5, Victory 7, Draws: 12
Previous encounter:
Sydney FC 1-0 Victory, March 10, 2012
Form:
Past five matches:
Sydney FC: LLWWL
Victory: LLWLW
The Game:
It's been a week of inquisitions and soul-searching at Sydney FC after last weekend's 7-2 annihilation at the hands of the Central Coast.
Sky Blues fans and coach Ian Crook will be expecting an immediate response from his players and what better way to banish the demons of the club's worst-ever defeat than by beating fierce rivals Melbourne Victory.
In a huge boost for Sydney Italian superstar Alessandro De Piero is almost certain to return after missing the Mariners debacle with hamstring soreness.
The Sky Blues' defensive woes could be eased for this clash with Pascal Bosschaart, Adam Griffths and Fabio all a chance to return from injury. Bosschaart and Griffiths both played 45 minutes in a friendly game against Western Sydney this week and if they pull-up well Crook is likely to rush them straight back in.
Socceroos midfielder Jason Culina also played in that match and is a contender for a spot on the bench. It's a lot more settled at Victory, who have no new injury concerns and have moved into the top six for the first time this season on the back of their 3-2 win over Wellington.
While they continue to leak goals against them, the Victory's attacking weapons of Archie Thompson, Marco Rojas, Marcos Flores and Gui Finkler are all in good form and will relish the prospect of taking on a shaky Sydney back-four.
The big issue
Sydney: He may only be in his first season in charge but Ian Crook is an experienced coach and he will need to use all his powers to repair the shattered confidence of his players.
It's only natural that last week's thrashing will have sapped a lot of belief out of the Sky Blues squad which they will need to rediscover quickly if they are a chance against the Victory. The possible return of a couple of key defenders could help but they will need more than that to turn things around.
It's vital they start well or the home fans may get on their back and what's left of their brittle confidence could be eaten away, making this weekend's challenge even greater.
Victory: The two-time champions were breathtaking in the opening hour against the Phoenix but almost undid all their good work by clocking off early. The late lapse was something coach Ange Postecoglou has taken notice of and he will be stressing the need to see games out with much greater efficiency if they are to continue to rise up the ladder.
The game breaker
Alessandro Del Piero: It's too much to say Del Piero's absence was the sole reason for his side's heavy loss to the Mariners but there's no doubt the Sky Blues players feel much more comfortable when he is on the field.
He should be fresh after the week off and if Sydney can tighten things up at the back, Del Piero's brilliance at the other end could turn the game in their favour. The Italian veteran turns 38 the day before the game and would love nothing more than to celebrate his birthday with a goal and a win.
Prediction
Sydney 2-3 Victory: No matter where they are on the table or what type of form either side is in, this clash has always been hard to pick and fiercely contested.
Given the week the Sky Blues have had you can expect even more feeling and desperation in this one. While the return of a couple of key defenders will help the home side's cause, it should be remembered they will be lacking match-fitness and sharpness, which could be a factor against the class and pace of the Victory's attack.
Melbourne's own defensive frailties means Sydney will always be a threat in attack but it's difficult to see the Sky Blues being able to completely turn things around in a week. The Victory should edge this one in an entertaining and high-scoring affair.
League Position
Top Scorers
| Goals | Pens | First | Last |
| Goals | Pens | First | Last |
Discipline
| Yellow | Red | Total |
| Yellow | Red | Total |
95:00
Full Time in an EPIC interstate rivalry and in a completely stunning performance, the Victory have fired home from 2-0 down in the 80th minute to STUN Sydney FC. Melbourne win a CRACKER 3-2.
93:22
Well then. Where has it all gone wrong for Sydney? They were absolutely flying at the 60th minute mark and have been run ragged by a inspired Victory performance. Essentially a six-point game.
91:05
GOOOOOOOOAL VICTORY! The comeback is complete! Stunning. Absolutely stunning as Finker's corner from the left drops perfectly for Nabbout to crane his neck to send a header into the right corner!!
88:56
As yet another Australia version of El Clasico winds down, it's confirmed that there'll be five minutes of injury time. The Victory fans are exploding. Sky Blues fans are sitting in stunned silence.
86:35
GOAL VICTORY! Melbourne ARE BACK as Finkler's corner from the right meets Milligan who heads down into the turf before Thompson instinctively prods it into the left corner! CORKER. 2-2!!
84:17
YELLOW CARD - Finkler provides the Sky Blues with a chance for a breather as he leaps high to catch Reid in the chest as Sydney cleared their penalty area. Very poor challenge. Lucky with yellow?
81:35
Sydney are wilting under the immense pressure that Melbourne are putting on them as Rojas just fails to pick out Nabbout at the back post. After the scramble, a goal kick is awarded. Frantic.
78:15
GOAL VICTORY! A STUNNER as Finkler provides for Nabbout who jinks to the outside of Reid at the top of the box before curling it home with a steaming left foot tracer bullet. Necevski no-chance.
75:46
Deafening pleas of SHOOOOOOOOT ring around Allianz Stadium as Mallia and Abbas combine to put McFlynn into the right of the box. Hearing the shouts, McFlynn loads up but is shut down by Ferreira.
72:35
CHANCE - How the Victory are still scoreless is astounding as an early ball from the left finds Nabbout who has time to trap, weigh up his options and blast a drive from 10 yards into Ryall's back.
69:35
Changes aplenty now as Franjic is removed for Nabbout for Melbourne whilst Yau is replaced for McFlynn for Sydney. Melbourne meanwhile continue to buzz around the Sydney penalty area.
66:25
Sydney taking the safe option with Del Piero as they opt to rest the weary 38 year old legs in favour of Mallia. 'ADP' cops another standing ovation and graciously receives it. Sydney still up 2-0.
63:45
Write your own cliche' as Del Piero's free kick is smacked in towards the box, taking a sharp detour straight off Leijer's head who's again down for the count. My cliche' is 'Leijed-out'. Not funny.
60:15
YELLOW CARD - Ferreira is caught ball-watching as Del Piero spins his way in from the left, forcing Ferriera to take him to ground on the corner of the box. Free kick in a fairly dangerous spot too.
57:33
Just as they did in the first period after conceding, Melbourne are pouring forward with numbers and threatening to break this open. Issue is that they need one before they start thinking about two!
54:55
CHANCE SAVED! Cracking 'keeping as Rojas finds himself within six yards of the target, loading up to fire a decent volley towards home which Necevski stretches high to tip over the crossbar.
51:15
Trying times for Sydney's defence this time as Finkler intercepts down the right channel before trying to play in Rojas. The ball though is mishit and taken to safety by Grant. Nervous back-four.
48:05
GOAL SYDNEY FC - Deplorable defending from Melbourne as Sydney's first corner drops into the mixer, allowing Grant to head it back into Bosschaart's path who strokes it home with his right.
45:00
Half Time and Sydney FC are hanging on grimly in the face of a Victory onslaught. All this coming after the Sky Blues opening the scoring but since then, it's been all Melbourne. Sydney lead 1-0.
43:25
Still no joy despite absolutely dominating the corner-count, with Finkler's delivery from the right (and Melbourne's sixth corner) seeing nothing presenting as Necevski steps up for the goal kick.
41:14
CHANCE SAVED - Melbourne with a great chance to draw level as Milligan finds himself front and centre after Rojas's cross. Nodding it on with power, Necevski is his equal, parrying clear cleanly.
40:43
Perhaps the Victory are becoming predicatable as Rojas is double teamed down the right before receiving a fortunate call which sees Ryall in trouble. Melbourne have hardly used their left channel.
37:55
Melbourne are enjoying their best spell of the encounter as a trio of corners brings them close but not close enough with Reid and Fabio standing stoic in defence. Victory are coming..make no mistake.
34:50
Yau continues to impress as he times a run onto yet another through ball from Del Piero which is wrongly/rightly flagged offside. For mine he was just on but I'm not officiating. Unlucky call.
31:06
More credit for the defence of the Sky Blues as Franjic turns in a ball to Flores who in turn provides for Finkler who tees off from 30 yards, but sprays his right footer well wide of the far post.
28:40
Both Ryall and Leijer, remarkably, return to the fray with the latter looking as though he's ducked out to St Vincent's Hospital for treatment. His head is a testament to the power of thick bandages.
25:55
INJURY - A sickening head-clash brings Ryall and Leijer down with the latter in a world of trouble. Play stops as Leijer has his open-wound inspected. It's an absolutely GAPING gash. Truly awful.
22:45
Melbourne crowded out smartly in defence as Rojas works overtime with Bosschaart on his hammer before succumbing to the pressure. Sydney FC working well in defence also. Rather surprising.
19:44
Unlike last Saturday Night, Sydney FC are looking to press on with this with Abbas and Powell starting to come into their own. Oddly enough, Thompson's been rarely sighted for the Victory.
17:35
YELLOW CARD - Belated news but ex-Sydney defender Milligan has picked himself up a yellow for dissent after a lazy challenge sees Celeski barging Del Piero over. He disagreed, argued and lost.
14:45
GOAL SYDNEY FC! Creative genius as Powell sees himself released into the left channel before cutting inside the area to slide a well-weighted pass to Yau who bangs home from in front. Sharp.
10:40
CHANCE - Melbourne's first opportunity is created via magical one-touch passing which sees Rojas played in behind. Taking too long to get his shot away, it's nicked off his boot by Bosschaart.
090+03:00
J. Bru enters the game and replaces Guilherme.
090+03:00
L. Broxham enters play, replacing M. Rojas.
090+01:00
T. Velaphi receives a yellow card.
090+01:00
A. Nabbout scores for Melbourne Victory!
086:00
Melbourne Victory score a goal through A. Thompson!
083:00
Guilherme is cautioned by the referee.
082:00
T. McClenahan enters play, replacing B. Powell.
078:00
A. Nabbout has scored a goal for Melbourne Victory!
071:00
T. McFlynn enters the game and replaces J. Glaize.
07:55
Del Piero shows his wares early with a turn of speed belying his 38 years of age before threading an inch-perfect through ball for Powell who's beaten to it by Coe. Still a high octane opening.
068:00
A. Nabbout comes on for P. Franjic.
065:00
M. Mallia enters play, replacing A. Del Piero.
061:00
D. Ferreira gets yellow.
057:00
S. Ryall gets yellow.
048:00
Goal to Sydney, scored by P. Bosschaart!
042:00
P. Reid goes into the referee''s book.
04:15
Not too many passes sticking inside the first five minutes but no doubting the tension in the air with play being flung from one end to the other. Rojas and Abbas starting the brightest for each side.
014:00
J. Glaize has found the target for Sydney!
012:00
M. Milligan receives a yellow card.
00:01
It may have a new nickname in 'The Big Blue' but it's still the same old rivalry as Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory shape up. How will the hosts respond to their 7-2 mauling against the Mariners..??
| Home Team | Statistic | Away Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Goals | 3 |
| 0 | Shots | 0 |
| 0 | Shots Off | 0 |
| 0 | Corners | 0 |
| 0 | Offside | 0 |
| 0 | Fouls | 0 |
| 2 | Yellows | 4 |
| 0 | Reds | 0 |
0%
0%
Possession
Referee: K. Griffiths-Jones
Victory from jaws of defeat
Melbourne Victory have stunned Sydney FC with three late goals to steal a thrilling 3-2 win in a pulsating encounter at Allianz Stadium.
The Sky Blues looked to have buried the memories of last week's 7-2 loss to Central Coast when they went ahead 2-0 just after half-time - but then inexplicably fell apart at the back-end of the game.
Victory replacement Andrew Nabbout (78th and 91st minute) and striker Archie Thompson (86m) turned the game on its ear with late goals.
Victory were good value for the win, dominating possession and taking the game to Sydney all night.
But there will be plenty of questions asked of Crook's men after they let slip a match they appeared to have in their keeping.
Yairo Yau grabbed Sydney's opener on 14 minutes before defender Pascal Bosschaart broke a 16-year drought with his first professional goal three minutes after the break.
But Nabbout changed the course of the match 12 minutes from time, cutting back inside from the right and letting fly with an unstoppable left-foot drive from outside the box.
Thompson popped up for his eighth career goal against Sydney with four minutes left before Nabbout put Victory in front for the first time with a headed goal during injury time.
With Bosschaart, Alessandro Del Piero and Fabio all back from injury, Sydney had looked a more cohesive unit.
Yau's goal was engineered by Del Piero and laid on by impressive youngster Blake Powell.
The Italian's first-time ball put Powell into space in the box and his neat pass with the outside of his right foot fell perfectly in Yau's path.
The Panamanian international swept the ball home for his second goal in as many weeks.
Victory didn't let the goal set them back on their heels, running Sydney ragged at times with their quick transition out of defence and rapid ball movement.
It was frenetic football at its best, only pausing momentarily following a sickening head clash between Seb Ryall and Adrian Leijer midway through the half.
Sydney survived the onslaught and just three minutes after the interval doubled their lead.
A back post cross was nodded back to Ryall who attempted an elaborate overhead kick that flew in the air, but only as far as Bosschaart's left foot.
The Dutchman left fly with the sweetest volley of his life to beat Nathan Coe, racing towards The Cove for an emotional celebration.
Del Piero exited the game on 65 minutes and slowly the hosts crumbled.
Victory kept pouring forward and found a way back via Nabbout's first goal.
The comeback was now in full swing, Thompson and Nabbout completing the heist and adding to Sydney's miserable week.
Sydney FC 2 (Yau 14, Bosschaart 48)
Melbourne Victory3 (Nabbout 78, 91, Thompson 86)
Crowd: 21,531 @Allianz Stadium
The Sky Blues looked to have buried the memories of last week's 7-2 loss to Central Coast when they went ahead 2-0 just after half-time - but then inexplicably fell apart at the back-end of the game.
Victory replacement Andrew Nabbout (78th and 91st minute) and striker Archie Thompson (86m) turned the game on its ear with late goals.
Victory were good value for the win, dominating possession and taking the game to Sydney all night.
But there will be plenty of questions asked of Crook's men after they let slip a match they appeared to have in their keeping.
Yairo Yau grabbed Sydney's opener on 14 minutes before defender Pascal Bosschaart broke a 16-year drought with his first professional goal three minutes after the break.
But Nabbout changed the course of the match 12 minutes from time, cutting back inside from the right and letting fly with an unstoppable left-foot drive from outside the box.
Thompson popped up for his eighth career goal against Sydney with four minutes left before Nabbout put Victory in front for the first time with a headed goal during injury time.
With Bosschaart, Alessandro Del Piero and Fabio all back from injury, Sydney had looked a more cohesive unit.
Yau's goal was engineered by Del Piero and laid on by impressive youngster Blake Powell.
The Italian's first-time ball put Powell into space in the box and his neat pass with the outside of his right foot fell perfectly in Yau's path.
The Panamanian international swept the ball home for his second goal in as many weeks.
Victory didn't let the goal set them back on their heels, running Sydney ragged at times with their quick transition out of defence and rapid ball movement.
It was frenetic football at its best, only pausing momentarily following a sickening head clash between Seb Ryall and Adrian Leijer midway through the half.
Sydney survived the onslaught and just three minutes after the interval doubled their lead.
A back post cross was nodded back to Ryall who attempted an elaborate overhead kick that flew in the air, but only as far as Bosschaart's left foot.
The Dutchman left fly with the sweetest volley of his life to beat Nathan Coe, racing towards The Cove for an emotional celebration.
Del Piero exited the game on 65 minutes and slowly the hosts crumbled.
Victory kept pouring forward and found a way back via Nabbout's first goal.
The comeback was now in full swing, Thompson and Nabbout completing the heist and adding to Sydney's miserable week.
Sydney FC 2 (Yau 14, Bosschaart 48)
Melbourne Victory3 (Nabbout 78, 91, Thompson 86)
Crowd: 21,531 @Allianz Stadium
| Home Team | Statistic | Away Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Goals | 3 |
| 0 | Shots | 0 |
| 0 | Shots Off | 0 |
| 0 | Corners | 0 |
| 0 | Offside | 0 |
| 0 | Fouls | 0 |
| 2 | Yellows | 4 |
| 0 | Reds | 0 |
0%
0%
Possession
Referee: K. Griffiths-Jones
065:00
M. Mallia enters play, replacing A. Del Piero.
95:00
Full Time in an EPIC interstate rivalry and in a completely stunning performance, the Victory have fired home from 2-0 down in the 80th minute to STUN Sydney FC. Melbourne win a CRACKER 3-2.
93:22
Well then. Where has it all gone wrong for Sydney? They were absolutely flying at the 60th minute mark and have been run ragged by a inspired Victory performance. Essentially a six-point game.
91:05
GOOOOOOOOAL VICTORY! The comeback is complete! Stunning. Absolutely stunning as Finker's corner from the left drops perfectly for Nabbout to crane his neck to send a header into the right corner!!
88:56
As yet another Australia version of El Clasico winds down, it's confirmed that there'll be five minutes of injury time. The Victory fans are exploding. Sky Blues fans are sitting in stunned silence.
86:35
GOAL VICTORY! Melbourne ARE BACK as Finkler's corner from the right meets Milligan who heads down into the turf before Thompson instinctively prods it into the left corner! CORKER. 2-2!!
84:17
YELLOW CARD - Finkler provides the Sky Blues with a chance for a breather as he leaps high to catch Reid in the chest as Sydney cleared their penalty area. Very poor challenge. Lucky with yellow?
81:35
Sydney are wilting under the immense pressure that Melbourne are putting on them as Rojas just fails to pick out Nabbout at the back post. After the scramble, a goal kick is awarded. Frantic.
78:15
GOAL VICTORY! A STUNNER as Finkler provides for Nabbout who jinks to the outside of Reid at the top of the box before curling it home with a steaming left foot tracer bullet. Necevski no-chance.
75:46
Deafening pleas of SHOOOOOOOOT ring around Allianz Stadium as Mallia and Abbas combine to put McFlynn into the right of the box. Hearing the shouts, McFlynn loads up but is shut down by Ferreira.
72:35
CHANCE - How the Victory are still scoreless is astounding as an early ball from the left finds Nabbout who has time to trap, weigh up his options and blast a drive from 10 yards into Ryall's back.
69:35
Changes aplenty now as Franjic is removed for Nabbout for Melbourne whilst Yau is replaced for McFlynn for Sydney. Melbourne meanwhile continue to buzz around the Sydney penalty area.
66:25
Sydney taking the safe option with Del Piero as they opt to rest the weary 38 year old legs in favour of Mallia. 'ADP' cops another standing ovation and graciously receives it. Sydney still up 2-0.
63:45
Write your own cliche' as Del Piero's free kick is smacked in towards the box, taking a sharp detour straight off Leijer's head who's again down for the count. My cliche' is 'Leijed-out'. Not funny.
60:15
YELLOW CARD - Ferreira is caught ball-watching as Del Piero spins his way in from the left, forcing Ferriera to take him to ground on the corner of the box. Free kick in a fairly dangerous spot too.
57:33
Just as they did in the first period after conceding, Melbourne are pouring forward with numbers and threatening to break this open. Issue is that they need one before they start thinking about two!
54:55
CHANCE SAVED! Cracking 'keeping as Rojas finds himself within six yards of the target, loading up to fire a decent volley towards home which Necevski stretches high to tip over the crossbar.
51:15
Trying times for Sydney's defence this time as Finkler intercepts down the right channel before trying to play in Rojas. The ball though is mishit and taken to safety by Grant. Nervous back-four.
48:05
GOAL SYDNEY FC - Deplorable defending from Melbourne as Sydney's first corner drops into the mixer, allowing Grant to head it back into Bosschaart's path who strokes it home with his right.
45:00
Half Time and Sydney FC are hanging on grimly in the face of a Victory onslaught. All this coming after the Sky Blues opening the scoring but since then, it's been all Melbourne. Sydney lead 1-0.
43:25
Still no joy despite absolutely dominating the corner-count, with Finkler's delivery from the right (and Melbourne's sixth corner) seeing nothing presenting as Necevski steps up for the goal kick.
41:14
CHANCE SAVED - Melbourne with a great chance to draw level as Milligan finds himself front and centre after Rojas's cross. Nodding it on with power, Necevski is his equal, parrying clear cleanly.
40:43
Perhaps the Victory are becoming predicatable as Rojas is double teamed down the right before receiving a fortunate call which sees Ryall in trouble. Melbourne have hardly used their left channel.
37:55
Melbourne are enjoying their best spell of the encounter as a trio of corners brings them close but not close enough with Reid and Fabio standing stoic in defence. Victory are coming..make no mistake.
34:50
Yau continues to impress as he times a run onto yet another through ball from Del Piero which is wrongly/rightly flagged offside. For mine he was just on but I'm not officiating. Unlucky call.
31:06
More credit for the defence of the Sky Blues as Franjic turns in a ball to Flores who in turn provides for Finkler who tees off from 30 yards, but sprays his right footer well wide of the far post.
28:40
Both Ryall and Leijer, remarkably, return to the fray with the latter looking as though he's ducked out to St Vincent's Hospital for treatment. His head is a testament to the power of thick bandages.
25:55
INJURY - A sickening head-clash brings Ryall and Leijer down with the latter in a world of trouble. Play stops as Leijer has his open-wound inspected. It's an absolutely GAPING gash. Truly awful.
22:45
Melbourne crowded out smartly in defence as Rojas works overtime with Bosschaart on his hammer before succumbing to the pressure. Sydney FC working well in defence also. Rather surprising.
19:44
Unlike last Saturday Night, Sydney FC are looking to press on with this with Abbas and Powell starting to come into their own. Oddly enough, Thompson's been rarely sighted for the Victory.
17:35
YELLOW CARD - Belated news but ex-Sydney defender Milligan has picked himself up a yellow for dissent after a lazy challenge sees Celeski barging Del Piero over. He disagreed, argued and lost.
14:45
GOAL SYDNEY FC! Creative genius as Powell sees himself released into the left channel before cutting inside the area to slide a well-weighted pass to Yau who bangs home from in front. Sharp.
10:40
CHANCE - Melbourne's first opportunity is created via magical one-touch passing which sees Rojas played in behind. Taking too long to get his shot away, it's nicked off his boot by Bosschaart.
090+03:00
J. Bru enters the game and replaces Guilherme.
090+03:00
L. Broxham enters play, replacing M. Rojas.
090+01:00
T. Velaphi receives a yellow card.
090+01:00
A. Nabbout scores for Melbourne Victory!
086:00
Melbourne Victory score a goal through A. Thompson!
083:00
Guilherme is cautioned by the referee.
082:00
T. McClenahan enters play, replacing B. Powell.
078:00
A. Nabbout has scored a goal for Melbourne Victory!
071:00
T. McFlynn enters the game and replaces J. Glaize.
07:55
Del Piero shows his wares early with a turn of speed belying his 38 years of age before threading an inch-perfect through ball for Powell who's beaten to it by Coe. Still a high octane opening.
068:00
A. Nabbout comes on for P. Franjic.
061:00
D. Ferreira gets yellow.
057:00
S. Ryall gets yellow.
048:00
Goal to Sydney, scored by P. Bosschaart!
042:00
P. Reid goes into the referee''s book.
04:15
Not too many passes sticking inside the first five minutes but no doubting the tension in the air with play being flung from one end to the other. Rojas and Abbas starting the brightest for each side.
014:00
J. Glaize has found the target for Sydney!
012:00
M. Milligan receives a yellow card.
00:01
It may have a new nickname in 'The Big Blue' but it's still the same old rivalry as Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory shape up. How will the hosts respond to their 7-2 mauling against the Mariners..??
| Home Team | Statistic | Away Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Goals | 3 |
| 0 | Shots | 0 |
| 0 | Shots Off | 0 |
| 0 | Corners | 0 |
| 0 | Offside | 0 |
| 0 | Fouls | 0 |
| 2 | Yellows | 4 |
| 0 | Reds | 0 |
0%
0%
Possession
Referee: K. Griffiths-Jones
39
N Coe
3
A Traore
0
P Franjic
5
M Milligan
23
A Leijer
7
G Ozelame Finkler
9
M Flores
0
M Rojas
13
D Ferreira
14
B Celeski
10
A Thompson
1
T Velaphi
6
L Broxham
0
J Bru
26
A Nabbout