Macarthur squandered a two-goal lead to Sydney FC as the teams drew 2-2 at Netstrata Jubilee Oval on Wednesday night.
Wellington’s away win over Brisbane also on Wednesday lifted the Phoenix above Sydney and Melbourne Victory into fourth, with Macarthur dropping to fifth and Sydney seventh.
Macarthur central defender Aleksandar Susnjar scored at both ends in a lively derby.
The Bulls looked in control after an early Ulises Davila penalty and a sweet close-range volley from Susnjar, after he was left unmarked, gave them a 2-0 lead in the 26th minute.
This was after Sydney’s Kosta Barbarouses hit the woodwork in the fifth minute and had a goal ruled out for offside 10 minutes later.
Sydney, however, got a lifeline five minutes before half-time through a slick finish from Trent Buhagiar following good work from the outstanding Max Burgess and youngster Callum Talbot.
Referee Chris Beath originally blew for offside but awarded the goal after a VAR call.
The Sky Blues were level eight minutes after half-time when Susnjar turned a Burgess cross into his own net.
Playing the ball quicker than in the first half, Sydney continued to build momentum with Burgess having a shot pushed away by Macarthur goalkeeper Filip Kurto and Anthony Caceres shooting over the bar.
Macarthur enjoyed some good pressure in the latter stages, their best chance coming in the 84th minute when Sydney goalkeeper Thomas Heward-Belle blocked a powerful shot from substitute. Michael Ruhs.
The final chance fell to Sydney with Kurto saving from Sydney substitute Paulo Retre in stoppage time.
RE-LIVE: SYDNEY FC 2-2 MACARTHUR FC, AS IT HAPPENED
By Matt Comito for KEEPUP
FULL-TIME: SYDNEY FC 2-2 MACARTHUR
53′: OWN GOAL! Šušnjar diverts ball into his own net (2-2)
After scoring a first-half stunner, Śušnjar inadvertently provided the Sky Blues a way back into the game with an own goal in the 53rd minute.
Burgess was the creator of the Sydney chance, whipping a cross off the left flank toward the danger area. Śušnjar threw a boot at the delivery in an attempt to clear but could only send the ball on its way into the back of the net.
46′: SECOND HALF (1-2)
Adam Le Fondre replaces Bobô at the break for Sydney as the hosts chase the game.
HALF-TIME: SYDNEY 1-2 MACARTHUR
It looked like another ugly night was ahead for the Sky Blues, before Buhagiar popped up to give the home side hope. Dávila and Šušnjar were the first-half scorers for the Bulls.
39′: GOAL! Buhagiar halves the deficit (1-2)
“That’s a lifeline for Sydney FC,” said Paramount+ co-commentator Phil Moss, as Trent Buhagiar’s close-range strike – which was initially ruled out through an offside call – was allowed to stand after a VAR review.
Buhagiar was found by a low cross off the left wing by Callum Talbot after Burgess had rolled his marker to open up space to spark the attack.
Buhagiar supplied the calm finish to make it 2-1 in favour of the Bulls.
26′: GOAL! Šušnjar volleys Bulls into commanding lead (0-2)
What a hit from the Bulls centre-back!
Aleksandar Šušnjar rolled off the back of Sydney’s defensive line to meet a Charles M’Mombwa ball floated to the back post, volleying off his left foot to rattle the back of the net.
7′: PENALTY! Bulls take the lead from the spot (0-1)
A massive blunder from Sky Blues defender Ben Warland gave Ulises Dávila the invitation to swoop in and nick the ball inside the penalty area.
Sydney keeper Thomas Heward-Belle got off his line to attempt to mop up for Warland but caught the ankles of Davila; referee Chris Beath brandished Heward-Belle a yellow card, and Dávila converted from the spot to make it 1-0 in favour of Macarthur.
5′: CHANCE! Barbarouses hits the woodwork (0-0)
The hosts go closest to opening the scoring with Kosta Barbarouses hitting the outside of the post after Max Burgess’ excellent solo run and cross operating down the left wing.
1′: KICK-OFF
The ball gets rolling at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
