It was an incredible game of football at AAMI Park, and in the end, perhaps unfairly, both sides were forced to share the spoils.
REPORT: CITY, VICTORY PLAY 2-2 CLASSIC
The fixture had everything, with four yellow cards being awarded within the first 15 minutes of the game.
Bruno Fornaroli started off, and ended an incredible attack with one of the best goals of the season, but Fahid Ben Khalfallah equalised shortly after with an equally brilliant finish.
Fornaroli however would find the net again via a header, and Melbourne City would head into half time ahead 2-1.
Barely two minutes had been played in the second half, and Guilherme Finkler had found the net, accidentally, to put Victory level again.
Finkler’s second attempt however, was not accidental, rocketing an incredible free kick into the bottom of the cross forcing the ball to bounce in and then out of the goal.
The goal however, was not given, and Melbourne City were handed another lifeline.
Anthony Caceres was sent off with 10 minutes remaining after receiving a second yellow card, and City would be forced to play defensively for the rest of the game.
City managed to hang on, and keep third place on the ladder. Victory get a point, but will disappointed considering the circumstances.
The final score from AAMI Park: Melbourne City 2, Melbourne Victory 2.
Its third versus fourth as Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory clash in this high-stakes Melbourne Derby at AAMI Stadium. Join The Roar from 7:30pm AEDT for live scores and commentary.
Coming off two losses, Melbourne City will at least a point to maintain third position on the A-League table.
After a disappointing 2-1 loss to the Newcastle Jets, City remained on 28 points only above Melbourne Victory due to goal difference.
City’s top goal scorer Bruno Fornaroli also remains just ahead of Victory’s top scorer Besart Berisha on the goal scoring tally by one. Fornaroli has found the net 15 times this season, the most of any player in 2015-16.
After a hard-earned 1-all draw with current table leaders the Western Sydney Wanderers in their last fixture, Melbourne Victory are just one win away from leapfrogging City on the table into third place.
Berisha scored early in the contest, however Victory could not hold on as the Wanderers got a goal back late in the fixture to ensure both sides had to share the spoils.
Victory will have history on their side in the Melbourne derby, having won three of the last four.
However, the last time these two sides faced off, Melbourne City got the upper hand.
Stefan Mauk and Paulo Retre scored for City, before Berisha got one back just before half time. City managed to hang on and take the 2-1 win back in December.
Melbourne City play with a 3-5-2 formation, and will need to be careful not to be exposed by Fahid Ben Khalfallah and Kosta Barbarouses on the wings.
Both sides are strong defensively, however City’s formation will likely play into the style of Victory, who should get all three points in what is almost certain to be a highly competitive affair.
Prediction
Melbourne City 1 – 2 Melbourne Victory
Join The Roar from 7:30pm AEDT for live scores and commentary.
FIUL
Guest
If the Fox Football guys thought Fornaoli's goal was "great", I wonder how they'll analyse Martial's equaliser for ManUtd at Sunderland just now.
Josh
Guest
Thanks Victory fans for carrying on like prawns, finally the heat is off the RBB.
AZ_RBB
Guest
It was so much more than just that pass. The way he got past two MVFC defenders was brilliant. The pass, as we all agree, was also amazing. Then his movement to get behind the defence and finish a brilliant counter was a great sight as well. An awesome goal. Good luck convincing many people otherwise.
Midfielder
Guest
great game
FIUL
Guest
Oh well. IF the Fox Football panel says it's a great goal, then it's must be true. Fornaroli's pass with the rabona - that was pure class. The goal was what I'd expect from any striker - professional or semi-professional,
FIUL
Guest
And, anyone who has actually played senior football would know that FBK's goal was pure quality. Try doing that at any level - let alone in a Derby.
AZ_RBB
Guest
The Fox Football panel said the same thing about the goal. Absolutely spectacular counter. Fornaroli is having one of the best seasons any import has had in the league's history.
Buddy
Guest
Wow.........gotta say how much I enjoyed watching that tonight, thanks to both sides and the referee really who spiced it up by handing out those very early yellow cards. I confess I was shouting "top left top left" when Finkler lined up the kick and it was difficult to see where it landed without reverting to a replay. They really gave it everything and Mr Muscat put in a good 90 minutes without going totally overboard and he did a good interview at the end. The TV commentary became obsessed with Fornaroli...almost as though they were practicing saying his name but he is great to watch. Victory were such a contrast to the previous week, just amazing what adrenalin does to you! I contacted my brother in law in the uk and he switched it on....Saturday morning game! He also paid it some great compliments and does enjoy watching ALeague - not everyone gets off on EPL! I had watched the first half of the Syd v Per game tonight but couldn't do the second half as it was just very ordinary, probably the heat again but I will remember this one for a long time. Many thanks for such an entertaining game!
FIUL
Guest
He beat the GK from 10m out - so that's one of the best of all time in Aleague? No doubting Fornaroli's class. But "one of the best HAL imports"? He's not even finished 1 season. He needs to do it for at least 3 seasons: like Broich, Carlos, Zwaanswijk, Besart, etc. etc.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
You are correct. I thought I'd mention one of the finest goals scored in the HAL this year by one of the best HAL imports.
FIUL
Guest
We didn't lose. We got 1 point. Maximum for a win is 3 points.
FIUL
Guest
No mention of Finkler's superb free kick that was a legitimate goal, but was not given?
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Just got home and had to crack a beer to calm down. That was one helluva of game. Goals, controversy, questionable referring. And the goals. Take a bow Bruno you are right up there as one of the best strikers we have seen in the HAL. That chip was Viduka-esque in its execution. A finer finish you will not see anywhere. All in all a fantastic effort from everyone. Just not sure what FFA HQ is going to make of some of the shenanigans.
pete4
Guest
Terrific derby!! Yeah superb Finkler free kick to get that up and down. Victory will feel 3 points dropped here
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Thank you to everyone who joined me for this live blog! Enjoy your evening.
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
FULL TIME: Melbourne City 2 - 2 Melbourne Victory It was an incredible game of football at AAMI Park, and in the end, perhaps unfairly, both sides were forced to share the spoils. The fixture had everything, with four yellow cards being awarded within the first 15 minutes of the game. Bruno Fornaroli started off, and ended an incredible attack with one of the best goals of the season, but Fahid Ben Khalfallah equalised shortly after with an equally brilliant finish. Fornaroli however would find the net again via a header, and Melbourne City would head into half time ahead 2-1. Barely two minutes had been played in the second half, and Guilherme Finkler had found the net, accidentally, to put Victory level again. Finkler's second attempt however, was not accidentally, rocketing an incredible free kick into the bottom of the cross forcing the ball to bounce in and then out of the goal. The goal however, was not given, and Melbourne City were handed another lifeline. Anthony Caceres was sent off with 10 minutes remaining after receiving a second yellow card, and City would be forced to play defensively for the rest of the game. City managed to hang on, and keep third place on the ladder. Victory get a point, but will disappointed considering the circumstances. The final score from AAMI Park, Melbourne City 2, Melbourne Victory 2.
RbbAnonymous
Guest
Cracking game. Legit goal disallowed. Victory will be hard done by especially if they lose 3pts. Flares and bottles not a good look. Your move FFA.
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
We will. Believe me we will.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Amazing amazing game. Hope we don't get too carried away with goal line technology debates next week
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
90+6' - The referee blows for full time and this game is over. What a game it was. MELBOURNE CITY 2 - 2 MELBOURNE VICTORY