Melbourne City secured a massive three points on the road on Saturday, overcoming Sydney FC 3-2 in an action-packed contest at Allianz Stadium.
Medin Memeti and Max Caputo both found the back of the net in the first half, capitalising on two moments of brilliance from Marco Tilio, but the hosts hit back on both occasions to keep the contest on a knife’s edge.
However, it was Ale Lopane—making his first A-League appearance of the season—who stole the show with a stunning long-range strike in the second half, ultimately proving to be the match-winner.
Team News
After a lengthy 17-day break between fixtures, Head Coach Aurelio Vidmar made three changes to his starting lineup.
Two of these were enforced, with Steven Ugarkovic (suspension) and Mathew Leckie (calf) unavailable. Kai Trewin slotted into midfield, while Lopane made his long-awaited return from injury for his first A-League minutes of the campaign.
Germán Ferreyra also returned in defence, while 17-year-old Memeti earned his first start since January, deployed out wide in an attacking role.
Starting XI: 33. Patrick BEACH (GK), 13. Nathaniel ATKINSON, 22. Germán FERREYRA, 26. Samuel SOUPRAYEN, 16. Aziz BEHICH (C), 27. Kai TREWIN, 21. Ale LOPANE, 30. Andreas KUEN, 23. Marco TILIO, 35. Medin MEMETI, 17. Max CAPUTO.
Substitutes: 60. Lachie CHARLES (GK), 2. Callum TALBOT, 10. Yonatan COHEN, 19. Zane SCHREIBER, 38. Harry POLITIDIS, 41. Lawrence WONG, 47. Kavian RAHMANI.
What happened?
City came flying out of the blocks, with Andreas Kuen threading an early ball in behind for Caputo, whose shot in the opening minute was held by the Sydney goalkeeper.
Just five minutes in, the breakthrough arrived as Tilio delivered a pinpoint cross to the back post, where Memeti outmuscled his marker and turned home the opener.
City dominated the early stages, controlling possession and dictating play, with Lopane and Kai Trewin impressing in midfield.
Patrick Beach was called into action in the 28th minute, making a diving save to deny Segecic, but Sydney soon found their equaliser through Jordan Courtney-Perkins, who powered home a header from a corner.
The deadlock lasted just seven minutes before more Tilio magic restored City’s lead. The Socceroo playmaker split two defenders with a clever reverse pass to set up Caputo, who made no mistake with a composed finish.
However, Sydney responded once again, with Douglas Costa weaving his way through the City defence to bring the hosts level before halftime.
The second half began with Beach making another important save to deny Klimala, as City searched for a way to regain control.
That moment arrived in the 61st minute when Lopane produced something special.
The 20-year-old found space outside the box and unleashed a brilliant strike into the bottom corner, giving City the lead for the third—and final—time.
City continued to push forward, with Memeti going close to adding a fourth, only to be denied by the Sydney shot-stopper. Tilio and Behich also had golden opportunities in the final 10 minutes, but the scoreline remained 3-2.
Despite some late pressure from the hosts, City’s pressing game was outstanding throughout the match, forcing turnovers and limiting Sydney’s attacking threat.
In the end, it was a hard-earned and well-deserved three points on the road.
What’s next?
City returns home to host Central Coast Mariners next Saturday in another crucial fixture in the race for Finals.
