Tim Cahill lived up to his superstar billing with a breathtaking first Hyundai A-League goal in Melbourne City’s 4-1 derby drubbing of Melbourne Victory on Saturday night.
Cahill stunned over 40,000 fans at Etihad Stadium with a jaw-dropping half-volley just 27 minutes into his debut as City romped to their second straight win of the season.
Bruno Fornaroli soon doubled his side’s advantage with a smart header before Luke Brattan all but sealed three points shortly after the restart.
Victory pulled one back when Marco Rojas produced a sublime solo effort just after the hour, but their hopes faded when Fernando Brandan restored City’s three-goal advantage just seconds later.
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GOALS
0-1 City: Cahill, 27’
Cahill immediately cemented his place in Melbourne City folklore with a long-range, first-time half-volley which caught out Lawrence Thomas and whistled into the goalkeeper’s top corner.
0-2 City: Fornaroli, 31’
Cahill was again involved in the lead-up as Nicolas Colazo curled a perfect cross to the far post for Fornaroli to head home.
0-3 City: Brattan, 52’
Bruce Kamau skipped away from Alan Baro, got to the byline and pulled a smart pass back for Brattan to bury at close-range.
1-3 Victory: Rojas, 62’
The New Zealand international skipped through a sea of defenders before finishing past Bouzanis to instil hope for Victory.
1-4 City: Brandan, 63’
Moments after Rojas’ goal, Brandan raced onto a pass down the line, outmanoeuvred Jason Geria and drove a dagger inside Thomas’ near post.
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