Melbourne City battled back from an early two-goal deficit to secure a crucial point away to Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday night, with an unlikely brace from Kai Trewin sealing a 2-2 draw in an entertaining affair at CommBank Stadium.
The Wanderers struck twice in quick succession inside the opening 15 minutes, but City responded with character and quality, dominating large periods of the contest and earning a deserved point thanks to Trewin’s header and a late penalty.
Team News
Aurelio Vidmar made two tactical changes to his starting XI, handing Yonatan Cohen his first start of 2025, while Steven Ugarkovic returned to midfield.
Callum Talbot and Medin Memeti dropped to the bench, while Mathew Leckie missed due to a hamstring injury.
Starting XI: 33. Patrick BEACH (GK), 13. Nathaniel ATKINSON, 22. Germán FERREYRA, 27. Kai TREWIN, 16. Aziz BEHICH (C), 6. Steven UGARKOVIC, 21. Ale LOPANE, 30. Andreas KUEN, 10. Yonatan COHEN, 23. Marco TILIO, 17. Max CAPUTO.
Substitutes: 18. Dakota OCHSENHAM (GK), 2. Callum TALBOT, 19. Zane SCHREIBER, 35. Medin MEMETI, 36. Harry SHILLINGTON, 41. Lawrence WONG, 47. Kavian RAHMANI
What happened?
The game exploded into life from the opening whistle with Max Caputo and Aziz Behich forcing early saves from Lawrence Thomas in the opening minutes.
Despite City’s fast start, the Wanderers struck twice in quick succession—Nicholas Milanovic firing home from the right before a deflection helped their second past Patrick Beach in the 14th minute.
City didn’t panic though and gradually regained control. Marco Tilio was at his electric best, helping create multiple chances, including a sharp effort for Max Caputo before delivering a pinpoint corner for Trewin to nod home and halve the deficit before the break.
The second half saw City shift gears, dominating possession and keeping the Wanderers pinned deep.
Tilio, Caputo, and Steven Ugarkovic all went close before substitute Medin Memeti made a telling impact—winning a penalty after being brought down in the box.
Trewin stepped up and slotted his second of the night from the spot, finding a way past Thomas despite the Wanderers’ shot-stopper going the right way.
The defender almost turned unlikely hero late in stoppage time, but it was VAR that had the final say—disallowing a late Wanderers goal for offside and confirming the result.
What’s next?
Just two matches remain, both at home, with an AFC Champions League Elite spot well within City’s grasp.
We return to AAMI Park next Saturday night for a blockbuster against Adelaide United. Click here to secure your seats!
