This is a special rivalry that spans Australia’s two biggest cities and two big football clubs. Something memorable usually happens when it’s a Big Blue, from Dwight’s debut goal, to Nabbout’s late show and Del Piero’s magic. What will happen this Saturday night?
This rivalry dates back to the very first weekend of the inaugural Hyundai A-League season and has become bigger and more intense every year, including two grand finals.
Something always happens, tempers boil and we’ve been treated to some absolute classics over the last 11 seasons.
Sydney FC midfielder nominated for NAB Award
In the lead-up to Saturday’s Big Blue, we look at five of the best clashes between the two sides at Allianz Stadium.
Round 1, 2005/06 Season: Sydney FC 1-1 Melbourne Victory
How can you go past the very first Big Blue way back on the opening weekend of the Hyundai A-League.
More than 25,000 fans turned out to see Dwight’s debut and the ex-Manchester United star didn’t disappoint. Yorke scored the opening goal with a superb stooping header in the first half to give the Sky Blues the lead at half-time.
Archie Thompson equalised for the visitors after the break – the first of his 90 goals in the competition – as the spoils were shared.
And the rivalry between the two clubs was born.
Round 5, 2013/14 Season – Sydney FC 3-2 Melbourne Victory
There was enough drama in the first 40 minutes of this one to last five Big Blue matches.
Despite coming into the match on a three-game losing streak, the Sky Blues flew out of the blocks to lead 2-0 inside 15 minutes to goals from Richard Garcia and Seb Ryall.
Archie Thompson pulled one back three minutes later before Sydney defender Marc Warren was sent off for dragging down Connor Pain on the edge of the area.
James Troisi scored from the subsequent free-kick to level the scores but there was still time for the Sky Blues to go back in front before the break via an Alessandro Del Piero penalty.
The home side then produced a heroic defensive display in the second half to hold on for a courageous win.
Round 6, 2012-13 – Sydney FC 2-3 Melbourne Victory
The name Andrew Nabbout was unknown outside of Melbourne Victory before he announced himself to the competition on an unforgettable night for the youngster.
In Ange Postecoglou’s first Big Blue, Victory looked down and out as goals in each half from Yairo Yau and Pascal Bosschaart had the hosts in front heading into the last 15 minutes.
But Nabbout, a substitute midway through the second half, had other ideas.
He scored with a powerful strike with 12 minutes left before Archie Thompson equalised soon after. Nabbout then completed the comeback with a 91st minute header before racing off to celebrate with Victory fans behind the goal.
Round 27, 2009/10 – Sydney FC 2-0 Melbourne Victory
The clash might have been on Valentine’s Day but there was little love between the two sides with so much at stake.
It was a scriptwriter’s dream as the top-two went head-to-head in a winner-takes-all clash for the Premiers’ Plate in the final round of the season.
A first-half screamer from Karol Kisel sent the Sky Blues on their way before John Aloisi’s 40-metre solo stunner wrapped up the three points and secured the Plate. The Sky Blues went on to clinch the double a few weeks later in the grand final in Melbourne.
Round 1, 2010-11 – Sydney FC 3-3 Melbourne Victory
The two sides met in Sydney in the opening round of the following season and produced a six-goal thriller.
The Sky Blues lead 2-0 through goals either side of the break from Alex Brosque and Terry McFlynn before Victory hit back in a devastating seven-minute burst.
Leigh Broxham, Mate Dugandzic and Billy Celeski all scored in quick succession to edge Victory in front and have them on track for some grand final revenge.
But in the final minute, up stepped Shannon Cole. His brilliant free-kick curled up and over the wall into the top corner to snatch a dramatic draw.
