Sydney FC stormed back from two-nil down in the Sydney derby to secure a deserved draw against the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Final score
Sydney FC 2
Western Sydney Wanderers 2
The most lucrative derby in the A-League takes centre stage in round three as Sydney FC host the Western Sydney Wanderers. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:50pm AEDT.
Its taken only a few years for the Sydney derby to establish itself as not only the premier derby in the A-League, but as one of the premier domestic sporting events in Australian sport.
Another sell-out is expected at Allianz Stadium tonight between two sides that are off to a good start this season.
Reigning champions Sydney are undefeated in their past 11 matches. They have won their opening two games against Melbourne Victory and Wellington Phoenix, and once again look the team to beat this season.
However, the last game Sydney FC lost was way back in February of this year against the very team they are facing tonight.
Despite all their inconsistencies during the 2016/17 campaign, the Wanderers hold the honour of being the only team last season to defeat Sydney FC in an A-League contest, defeating the Sky Blues one nil at ANZ Stadium.
Judging from their solid start to the campaign this season, the Wanderers will be primed to prove that their win over Sydney in February was no fluke. In fact, Western Sydney drew nil-all with their rivals the last time they played in Allianz in January and should fancy their chances of causing the upset.
Prediction
Sydney are a fantastic team but they are far from unbeatable. The Phoenix last week scored twice against them and showed that the Sky Blue brick wall can be penetrated if you attack in unison and with speed.
The Wanderers need to be proactive in possession in order to put Sydney in two minds. If they can do this, they may very well become the first team to defeat the reigning champions this season.
If Sydney are allowed to dominate possession though, forwards such as Bobo will eventually make the Wanderers pay on the scoreboard.
All in all, expect another tight encounter between two teams eager to leave a mark in front of another expectant crowd.
Wanderers to win 1-0
Midfielder
Guest
Was a good game
Alan
Roar Guru
Sydney FC have stormed back from two nil down in the derby to secure a deserved draw against the Wanderers tonight. The Wanderers raced out of the blocks in the first half courtesy of an early goal to Riera. The Wanderers them doubled their lead and looked well in control of the contest before a penalty to Sydney changed momentum completely. In the second half, Sydney began dominating proceedings, creating the better chances before Brilliante eventually equalised after some good lead-up work from Brosque. Simon had a chance to steal the win at the death but his header went wide of goal from close range. Overall, a lost opportunity for the Wanderers after having the match in their keeping at two nil up. Sydney however once again showcased their championship qualities to dig themselves out of a big hole to secure the draw. Both teams remain undefeated. Another stalemate in a derby war with two more battles to play for before season's end. Sydney 2 Wanderers 2
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Sydney 2 Wanderers 2
Jack
Guest
lol Simon is a hack
Alan
Roar Guru
93' - Wanderers firmly against the ropes here as the game winds down. Sydney finishing yet again all over their opposition. Great endurance from the Sky Blues. Sydney 2 Wanderers 2
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Couldabeen a champion right there Matty!!!!!
Alan
Roar Guru
92' - Sydney asking all the questions here as the ball goes to Simon in the area who misses the goal with his header!!! Goodness me that was the match!!!! Wow. Sydney 2 Wanderers 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Five minutes to be added... Sydney 2 Wanderers 2
Alan
Roar Guru
89' - This is a real lost opportunity for the Wanderers with just a few minutes remaining. They were well in control at two nil up but they have let their guard down and Sydney have stormed back into the contest and look likely to steal the win... Sydney 2 Wanderers 2
Alan
Roar Guru
86' - Have hardly called Ninkovic's name tonight. Hasn't had the best of games the Serbian star. Simon and Santalab on for Brosque and Riera respectively... Sydney 2 Wanderers 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Just under 35,000 in for tonight's match. Are we headed for another stalemate??? Sydney 2 Wanderers 2
Alan
Roar Guru
80' - Ball falls nicely for Baccus who shoots with his right but his effort just over the bar! Close call for Sydney. Sydney 2 Wanderers 2
Jack
Guest
Why aren’t Sydney players getting yellows ? Brusque Zillow ?
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - Nice build-up play from the Wanderers with Bridge well involved with good passing. Deflected effort goes over the bar. Corner to the Wanderers. Sydney 2 Wanderers 2
Alan
Roar Guru
77' - Brosque hits the deck but a corner ruled in Sydney's favour. Sydney finishing the stronger since equalising. Riera with a great defensive header. Sydney 2 Wanderers 2
Alan
Roar Guru
72' - Brilliante with a volley that goes just over the bar. Sydney the better team heading into the final 20 minutes. Sydney 2 Wanderers 2
Alan
Roar Guru
68' - Wanderers only have themselves to blame. They were well on top at two nil up but a penalty awarded to Sydney changed the momentum of the contest. Sydney full of belief again. Sydney 2 Wanderers 2
Alan
Roar Guru
66' - Have to say Carney since receiving treatment in the first half is having a great game. Both teams evenly matched now. Sydney 2 Wanderers 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Sydney were down and out at 0-2 but to their credit they have fought back well against a Wanderers team that is still struggling to put opposition teams away. Carney's effort blocked in the area! Very open contest. Sydney 2 Wanderers 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Brilliante scores for Sydney as his deflected effort finds the bottom left corner and Sydney are all square after trailing two nil! Wanderers will be filthy with themselves. Brosque deserves enormous credit for winning the ball back and instigating the counter attack that led to Brilliante's goal. All to play for here! Sydney 2 Wanderers 2