Melbourne City will take to the field at AAMI Park for the first time this season when they face off against rivals Melbourne Victory on Tuesday afternoon.
After a rare league defeat over the weekend, Michael Matricciani’s side will be eager to respond, and there’s no better stage for a bounce-back than the first Melbourne Derby of the season.
Here are the key talking points ahead of Tuesday’s blockbuster clash.
DERBY DAY
The first Melbourne Derby of the 2025/26 campaign is here – and it’s set to be a massive encounter between two of the league’s fiercest rivals.
There will be big moments, big tackles, and no shortage of drama. And there’s no better venue to host it than AAMI Park.
With bragging rights and crucial points on the line, City will be fired up to deliver a strong performance and claim an early edge in the cross-town rivalry.
BOUNCE BACK ABILITY
City’s remarkable 651-day unbeaten run in the Ninja A-League regular season came to an end on Saturday afternoon in Canberra, as two second-half goals saw the hosts edge out a 2-1 result.
It marked the first league loss of the Matricciani era, and the group will be eager to respond quickly and decisively.
There’s no bigger stage than the Derby to reignite form. Backed by a home crowd, City will look to return to the winners list and re-establish their rhythm at home.
A BIG WEEK AHEAD
Tuesday’s clash marks the beginning of a busy stretch, and the first of two doubleheaders at AAMI Park this week, with the second to come on Saturday 28 December against Perth Glory.
Originally scheduled to play Adelaide United midweek, that fixture was postponed after a number of Adelaide players were affected by an Influenza A outbreak, leaving the squad unable to safely field a team.
As a result, City have played just four Ninja A-League games so far this season – in contrast to Victory’s eight. Between postponed matches and AFC Women’s Champions League commitments, it’s been an interrupted start.
That makes this Derby all the more important. With fixtures now beginning to flow, building momentum through December could prove critical for the reigning Premiers Plate holders.
Fixture Details
Ninja A-League: Round 10
Melbourne City FC v Melbourne Victory
Tuesday 23 December, 4:30pm KO
AAMI Park
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