Sport

Melbourne Derby returns to Etihad Stadium

The last time the Melbourne Derby was played at Etihad Stadium, it was an unforgettable blockbuster in front of more than 43,000 fans.

Get ready A-League fans, because the Melbourne Derby is back!

Derbies featuring Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City have become not-to-be-missed matches in recent times, with the two sides developing a genuine rivalry following City’s entry into the A-League in 2010.

The next Melbourne Derby will be played at Etihad Stadium on Saturday February 7 and tickets are selling quickly.

While the rivalry is still young, the two sides have been very evenly matched. The Melbourne Derby has been played 14 times with Victory and City winning five apiece and a further four ending in draws.

While City beat Victory 1-0 in the last Melbourne Derby, which was played in December 2014, it was Victory who trounced the visitors when the Melbourne Derby was played at Etihad Stadium in October last year. The match was a 5-2 domination full of intensity, excitement and an atmosphere that had to be seen to be believed.

City looked threatening in the first half with goals to Robbie Wielaert and Jason Hoffman, but Archie Thompson and Besart Berisha ensured the score was even at half time.

The home crowd went berserk when Berisha gave Melbourne Victory a 3-2 lead in the first minute of the second half – the key signing for Victory finished with three goals for the match following a penalty in the 67th minute. And the icing on the cake came through a superb goal to Thompson in the 87th minute.

The atmosphere of a Melbourne Derby at Etihad Stadium is unsurpassed. With more than 40,000 fans chanting and singing, the colour and excitement in the crowd is an event in itself.

The Melbourne Derby always promises to be an incredible match full of passion and excitement, but this was one out of the box. Both teams have plenty to play for when they enter Etihad Stadium for the 15th Melbourne Derby.

Victory will be aiming to make amends for their most recent showing against City that resulted in a last-gasp loss following a 91st minute goal to Erik Paartalu.

City on the other hand will not be pleased if they return from Etihad Stadium with another embarrassing loss. The addition of Josh Kennedy and Robert Koren since the last Melbourne Derby at the stadium could be a key for Melbourne City.

Victory is currently sitting third on the league ladder and will be looking to cement their spot with a resounding win over their arch rival.

This is one Melbourne Derby you do not want to miss. Make sure you are at Etihad Stadium on Saturday February 7 to see Melbourne Victory take on Melbourne City. Click here to purchase tickets now.