The Ninja A-League Finals Series continues this weekend with the second legs of the 2024-25 Semi-Finals taking place.
Ahead of both matches taking place, aleagues.com.au has everything you need to know as the four sides bid to book their spot in the Ninja A-League Grand Final.
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Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United
Victory lead 3-1 on aggregate
Saturday, May 10 – Home of the Matildas – 2:15pm AEST
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Melbourne Victory head into Saturday’s second leg against Adelaide United with potentially one foot in the Grand Final after an impressive display at Coopers Stadium saw them defeat the Reds 3-1 in the first leg.
A brilliant first-half strike from Emily Gielnik coupled with a brace from Claudia Bunge has Jeff Hopkins’ side in full control of the tie as they extended their unbeaten run out to 14 matches.
Victory haven’t suffered defeat against their opponents in any of their last eight meetings giving them even more confidence of getting the job done at the Home of the Matildas on Saturday afternoon.
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As for the opposition, Adrian Stenta’s side know exactly what’s required when they head across the border into Victoria this weekend – but if they are to progress to the Grand Final, the Reds will need to beat Victory in Melbourne for the first time since August, 2015.
Needing to score two goals without conceding to at least force extra time is definitely a big ask but with the likes of Fiona Worts (11 goals), Chelsie Dawber (8 goals) and Erin Healy (8 goals) in the side Adelaide will certainly give themselves a puncher’s chance.
Furthermore, whilst they may not have beaten Victory in eight games the positive for Stenta and the Reds is that Victory have kept just one clean sheet against them during that period.
Melbourne City v Central Coast Mariners
2-2 on aggregate
Sunday, May 11 – ctrl:cyber Pitch – 2:15pm AEST
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It’s perfectly poised heading into the second leg at ctrl:cyber Pitch on Sunday afternoon as Premiership winners Melbourne City look to finally defeat the Mariners for the first time this season.
Now unbeaten in 24 matches, Central Coast remain the only side City haven’t beaten in season 2024-25 as the pair played out an enthralling 2-2 draw in the first leg at Industree Group Stadium.
Expected to welcome back Venezuelan striker Mariana Speckmaier for the crucial clash, head coach Michael Matricciani will be hoping home advantage is key on Sunday as they look to reach consecutive Grand Finals in a bid to keep their treble hopes alive.
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On the other side of the equation are Emily Husband’s Central Coast Mariners who have proven to be quite the thorn in City’s side this season.
Reaching the semi-finals after overcoming Canberra United at home, the Mariners are aiming to go one step further than they did last season and reach the Grand Final and a 2-2 draw in the first leg will give them plenty if confidence of doing so.
It was former Arsenal academy graduate Brooke Nunn who bagged both goals last week in Gosford and when you bring in the likes of Jade Pennock, Isabel Gomez and Annalise Rasmussen into the mix, City’s defensive unit will no doubt be set for another stern examination on Sunday.
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