Flashback: When the Hyundai A-League took on some of Europe’s big guns

The countdown is on until Premier League-hopefuls Leeds United arrive in Australia to take on Western Sydney Wanderers at the Hyundai A-League club’s plush new home ground.

In 100 days from now, the Wanderers will walk out at Bankwest Stadium for the first time, in a high-profile friendly against Leeds.

The visit of the high-flying Championship club – once the home of Caltex Socceroos greats Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka â€“ continues a growing tradition of big European clubs coming Down Under.

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In recent years the heavyweights of Liverpool, Manchester United, Juventus, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Tottenham, Roma and Chelsea have all delighted football fans by visiting our shores.

With excitement building ahead of Leeds’ visit, we look back at some of the thrilling pre-season games we’ve seen here in years gone by…

Sydney Derby Banner 13 April

Melbourne Victory v Liverpool – 2013

Those that were there at a sold-out MCG still get goosebumps recalling the rousing rendition of Liverpool’s famous anthem ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.

And plenty were there inside the iconic venue, with more than 95,000 on hand to see the likes of Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez, Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho do their thing.

Ange Postecoglou’s Victory put up a brave fight, but the Reds’ class eventually shone through in a 2-0 win.

The trip Down Under proved huge for Liverpool, with Brendan Rodgers’ side going within a whisker of winning the EPL title, before slipping up – literally and metaphorically – in the final weeks of the season.

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5568502258001

Hyundai A-League All Stars v Manchester United – 2013

The post-Alex Ferguson era kicked off in style as the Red Devils cruised to a 5-1 win over the Hyundai A-League All Stars in front of more than 82,000 fans in Sydney.

It was the perfect start to David Moyes’ United reign – which ended in his sacking less than 12 months later – as Danny Welbeck and Jesse Lingard scored two each.

Prolific Dutch striker Robin van Persie made a late cameo for the English champions, and set up one of the goals, while Besart Berisha was the man on the scoresheet for the All Stars.

A young Jesse Lingard was the star when Manchester United came to Sydney to play the All Stars.

Perth Glory v Chelsea – 2018

Glory were the first opponents for the Blues under new boss Maurizio Sarri in the first football match played at Perth’s glitzy new Optus Stadium last year.

Chelsea rolled out stars like Cesc Fabregas, David Luiz and new signing Jorginho in front of more than 55,000 fans, but it was Spanish international Pedro who scored the only goal inside five minutes.

While the majority of fans were there to see the 2018 FA Cup winners, Glory put on a great show in an early indication of what would follow in this season’s Hyundai A-League.

Neil Kilkenny and Cesc Fabregas

Melbourne Victory v Juventus – 2016

The Italian champions were in Melbourne as part of the International Champions Cup, along with Premier League side Tottenham and Spain’s Atletico Madrid.

But the Hyundai A-League outfit brought down Juve in a surprise result at the MCG.

The Italian club’s Carlos Blanco scored a stunning goal from just inside Victory’s half with a classy strike over a retreating Lawrence Thomas, only for the hosts to hit back seven minutes from time through Jai Ingham.

Thomas redeemed himself as the result was decided in a shootout, saving from Roman Macek and Stefano Padovan to hand Victory a 4-3 win on penalties.

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5588584372001

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