Sport
Melbourne Derby a big hit at Etihad Stadium
The anticipation around the first Melbourne Derby between Melbourne Victory FC and cross-town rival Melbourne City FC has reached fever pitch, with only limited tickets remaining for the match at Etihad Stadium on Saturday October 25.
The two sides have built a genuine rivalry since Melbourne City joined the A-League in 2010 (then known as Melbourne Heart). The latter’s recent partnership with English Premier League (EPL) powerhouse Manchester City – and the recruitment of one of Spain’s greatest ever players David Villa – has added even more spice to an already fierce rivalry.
While the rivalry is still young, the two sides have been very evenly matched. The Melbourne Derby has been played 12 times with Victory and City winning four apiece and a further four ending in a draw.
The Round 3 match will be the first Melbourne Derby for the A-League’s 2014/15 Season, with a further two still to play. The increased capacity at Etihad Stadium makes it the perfect venue for the Melbourne Derby given the intense interest it now generates – last year’s Melbourne Derby at Etihad Stadium attracted more than 45,000 fans. The stadium will host another Melbourne Derby in February 2015.
An advantage for fans is the use of Etihad Stadium’s retractable seats on Level 1, which creates a rectangular seating configuration that brings fans significantly closer to the pitch and provides a great atmosphere for the event.
Melbourne Victory has made a fast start to Season 2014/15 with a commanding 4-1 win over the Western Sydney Wanderers in front of more than 30,000 fans at Etihad Stadium. In Round 2 they found a late equaliser in an away match against Adelaide FC.
City on the other hand has had a disappointing start to the year managing just two draws against Sydney FC and the Newcastle Jets away. The hype surrounding the side, and more specifically the unveiling of David Villa, has not yet been matched on field so the side will be desperate to put in a good showing in the Melbourne Derby.
But City will be up against it at Etihad Stadium with a strong, colourful and loud home crowd turning out to support Melbourne Victory. They are one of the best-supported clubs in the A-League and regularly attract big crowds – particularly at Etihad Stadium where they play five blockbuster matches each season.
Crowds throughout the A-League have been strong so far in Season 2014/15 with the league breaking its attendance record in Round 2. A huge crowd is expected for the Melbourne Derby, which is a strong indicator of the sport’s popularity and growth in Australia.
As an added bonus, fans can take in the women’s match between Melbourne Victory and Canberra United from 4.45pm. Admission to the curtain raiser is included with the ticket for the Melbourne Derby.
Save for a draw, this Melbourne Derby will give one of the sides an edge in the overall wins given both have won four each so far.
So, will the Melbourne Derby be time for City and Villa to shine? Or will Victory continue its impressive early-season form in front of their loud and partisan home crowd?
You’ll have to be there to find out. Click here for tickets to the Melbourne Derby between Melbourne Victory FC v Melbourne City FC at Etihad Stadium on Saturday October 25. Given the expected large crowd, we strongly recommend pre-purchasing tickets and arriving at Etihad Stadium early to avoid queues and delays.
