It was a Wild West shootout that would have made John Wayne proud.
The Western Sydney Wanderers and Macarthur opened the new year in spectacular fashion at CommBank Stadium, putting on a five-goal thriller that ultimately ended in a 3-2 win to the Bulls.
This match had everything you could want from a football game—thrilling goals, gilt-edged chances, desperate defence and a red card that inspired a spirited comeback.
A double to emerging winger Jed Drew had Macarthur ahead 3-1 at halftime, but a 52nd-minute red card awarded to Wanderers defender Dean Pelekanos for taking out Ariath Piol while the striker was one-on-one with the keeper, seemed to galvanise the home side, who got back to within one goal three minutes later via a deflected goal to Anthony Pantazopoulos.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, the Wanderers had the better of the closing half-hour, peppering the Macarthur goal. However, the Bulls’ defence rallied, blocking multiple shots to deny Western Sydney a late equaliser.
“I thought the character and fight in the term was superb,” Wanderers assistant coach Nahuel Arrarte said post-match.
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“Their ability to continue to push forward, even when we went down to 10 men shows the character in the group.
“To be honest, I haven’t looked at it [the red card decision] . . . but while it played a part [in the loss], there are certain aspects of our game that we still need to improve if we want to be a top team.”
The Bulls now sit in second place on the A-League men’s ladder, leapfrogging the Melbourne Victory who played out a nil-all draw with Auckland earlier in the day, while Western Sydney sit seventh, one point outside the top six.
DREW PROVES THE DIFFERENCE
Despite playing just 66 minutes of the match, Jed Drew was a clear choice as Player of the Match.
The son of former Parramatta Eels hooker Brad Drew continued his stellar season, scoring the two goals which ultimately gave his side victory. While his first strike was a decent effort off a deflected cross, his second was an absolute stunner.
After receiving the ball on the right flank 20 metres out from goal, Drew turned Wanderers defender Jack Clisby inside out before curling the ball into the net from an extremely tight angle.
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The 21-year-old has been a revelation for Mile Sterjovski’s side chalking up five goals and five assists in nine games this season and must surely be in contention for a Socceroos shirt.
“I definitely think he has the potential to do it,” Sterjovski said when quizzed on Drew’s Socceroos chances.
“He’s got the quality to do it, it’s just about being consistent.
“To play at the top level . . . you have to be consistent and do those sorts of things week in and week out.
“With the form he’s in, he definitely deserves a look in [with the Socceroos].”
Drew wasn’t the only Bulls young gun to shine, though. Piol produced a magic moment, putting the Bulls ahead 2-1 in the 26th minute with an individual effort that saw him sprint 40 metres down the right flank before effortlessly flicking the ball past Western Sydney keeper Lawrence Thomas.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 01: Juan Mata of Western Sydney Wanderers celebrates after scoring a goal during the round 11 A-League Men match between Western Sydney Wanderers and Macarthur FC at CommBank Stadium, on January 01, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ayush Kumar/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
MATA FINALLY SCORES
With Dylan Scicluna injured, Alen Stajcic opted to give marquee signing Juan Mata just his third start of the season. The FIFA World Cup winner repaid his manager’s faith when he put his side on level terms in the 23rd minute by tucking away a low cross from Josh Brillante.
While the former Chelsea and Manchester United star was replaced by Nicolas Milanovic after 56 minutes, he can be satisfied with the shift he put in against Macarthur.
The English champions did snap a five-game losing streak but did little to boost confidence ahead of Sunday’s trip to Premier League leaders Liverpool by conceding three times in the final 15 minutes.
Pep Guardiola admitted his star-studded squad were “fragile” and lacking in confidence after the worst run of his managerial career, while a shock stat was exposed.
We lost a lot of games lately, we are fragile and of course, we need a victory,” he said to Prime Video.
“The game was good for the confidence, we were playing at a good level and then for the first time something happened, we have problems.”
Manchester City became the first team in the history of the Champions League to be leading by three goals as late as the 75th minute, before failing to win.
Two goals from Erling Haaland, either side of Ilkay Gundogan’s deflected effort, looked set to restore some order for City.
But the defensive frailties that have been the root cause for a staggering collapse in recent weeks was exposed in the closing stages.
Anis Hadj Moussa, Santiago Gimenez and David Hancko hit back to salvage a vital point for the Dutch giants.
A draw leaves City with plenty of work to do to reach the knockout stages with trips to Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain to come in their next two Champions League games.
Only the top eight progress directly to the last 16 with a place in the top 24 of the 36-team table enough to reach the playoff round.
City drop to 15th on eight points from five matches, just one point ahead of Feyenoord in 20th.
Guardiola reacted to a first home defeat for two years in a 4-0 humbling by Tottenham on Saturday by making three changes.
Jack Grealish, Matheus Nunes and Nathan Ake came into the starting line-up but it still took City time to find their rhythm.
Nerves around a far from full Etihad Stadium were frayed when Igor Paixao wasted a big chance to give the Dutch giants the lead.
Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Manchester City and Feyenoord at City of Manchester Stadium on November 26, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Instead, City got the break they needed when Haaland was fouled inside the box from a corner.
The Norwegian missed from the penalty spot in City’s 4-1 thrashing by Sporting Lisbon last time out in the Champions League.
This time Haaland was clinical and smashed the ball into the net in relieving his frustrations of recent weeks.
Gundogan’s volley from the edge of the box that deflected in off Hancko gave City breathing space early in the second half.
Haaland then slid in to meet Nunes’ cross for his 46th Champions League goal in 44 appearances in the competition to seemingly put City on easy street.
But there was a sting in the tail for the home side after Josko Gvardiol’s slack backpass allowed Moussa in to round Ederson and fire in from a narrow angle.
Guardiola held his head in his hands in response and worse was to come when Ederson failed to deal with Jordan Lotomba’s near-post effort and the ball fell kindly for Gimenez to make it 3-2.
More kamikaze defending gifted Feyenoord an equaliser as Rico Lewis played Paixao onside. He eased around the onrushing Ederson and crossed for Hancko to head into an unguarded net.
City have now conceded two or more goals in six consecutive games for the first time since 1963.
There was still time for more drama as Grealish’s shot came back off the crossbar in City’s search for a late winner.
Instead they had to settle for a point that will feel just as damaging as the previous five defeats for a side so used to winning.
ARSENAL’S RUTHLESS ROUT
Arsenal extended their revival with a ruthless 5-1 rout of Sporting Lisbon to bolster their bid to reach the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday.
Mikel Arteta’s side ended a three-match winless run in all competitions by beating Nottingham Forest 3-0 in the Premier League last weekend.
And the Gunners built on that success with an even more dynamic display at the Jose Alvalade stadium.
Gabriel Martinelli gave Arsenal an early lead and Kai Havertz increased their advantage before Gabriel Magalhaes struck just before halftime.
Goncalo Inacio got one back for Sporting, but Bukayo Saka’s penalty underlined the gulf in class between the teams.
Leandro Trossard netted late on to give Arsenal five away goals in a Champions League game for the first time since 2008.
Arsenal’s third win in five Champions League matches this season lifted them into seventh place, with the top eight teams in the revamped tournament earning automatic qualification for the last 16.
Sporting’s first defeat in Europe’s elite club competition this season leaves them below Arsenal on goal difference.
Arsenal are nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool after their dip, but this swaggering effort suggested they are finally back in the groove.
Arteta had challenged Arsenal to make a statement against Sporting and they responded in emphatic fashion.
The north Londoners’ first away win in the Champions League in six attempts was a welcome tonic after a 1-0 loss at Inter Milan in their last European fixture.
Arsenal’s impressive performance was all the more notable as Sporting had crushed Manchester City 4-1 in their final Champions League game under Ruben Amorim, who has since taken charge of Manchester United.
Joao Pereira has replaced Amorim as Sporting boss but he was unable to maintain their unbeaten start to the season as the Portuguese champions were defeated for the first time in 19 games in all competitions.
Thomas Partey of Arsenal celebrates victory with teammate Bukayo Saka after the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Arsenal FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 26, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
It took just seven minutes for Martinelli to put Arsenal ahead. Jurrien Timber’s low cross was perfectly weighted and the Brazilian slid in to apply the finish inside the six-yard box.
In stark contrast to City’s capitulation at Sporting earlier in November, Arteta’s men were in complete command.
They picked the Sporting defence apart again in the 22nd minute as Thomas Partey’s incisive pass picked out Saka’s run beyond the hosts’ creaky off-side trap.
Saka guided a pinpoint pass into the Sporting area and Havertz timed his run immaculately to slot home from close range.
Sporting finally forced a save from David Raya when 17-year-old Geovany Quenda unleashed a fierce strike that the Arsenal keeper tipped over.
But Gabriel bagged his first Champions League goal on the stroke of halftime. Arsenal’s set-piece prowess was on show as the Brazilian defender rose highest to power his header past Franco Israel from Declan Rice’s inswinging corner.
Gabriel marked the goal with a cheeky celebration as he mimicked the eye-covering gesture used by Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres when he scores.
That inflammatory gesture briefly woke Sporting from their slumber and Inacio reduced the deficit two minutes after halftime.
Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori went to sleep at a corner and Inacio took advantage to volley past Raya from close range.
Sporting needed another goal quickly to put Arsenal under genuine pressure, but instead it was the visitors who struck again in the 65th minute.
Ousmane Diomande’s lunge tripped Martin Odegaard in the area and Saka drilled his penalty into the corner of the net.
Trossard put the seal on Arsenal’s demolition job in the 82nd minute, nodding home after Israel spilt Mikel Merino’s shot.
BAYERN BEST 10-MAN PSG
A first-half header from Kim Min-jae guided Bayern Munich to a 1-0 home win over Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, damaging the French side’s hopes of progressing in the Champions League.
The centre-back scored after an error from PSG goalkeeper Matvei Safonov, starting ahead of Gianluigi Donnarumma, who spilt the ball into Kim’s path.
The South Korean’s effort was enough to decide the rematch of the 2020 Champions League final — won by Bayern by the same scoreline — and all but extinguishes PSG’s hopes of a top-eight finish and avoiding the playoff round.
Ousmane Dembele picked up a second yellow for an unnecessary challenge with half an hour remaining, with Bayern successfully shutting up shop as a result.
“It was an extremely intense game,” Leon Goretzka said to Amazon Prime. “You could see in the starting XI they were going to try and hold onto the ball and to test us with their pressing — and we pushed to the end and it’s nice we could be rewarded.” With just three games remaining, even making the knockouts is not a given for the French champions, who are in 26th spot — two outside the playoff placings.
PSG host Manchester City in January along with facing tricky away trips to Red Bull Salzburg and Stuttgart.
Bayern’s top-eight hopes look rosier after the win, which extended their run of clean sheets to seven straight games in all competitions.
Bayern now sit 11th and take on relative European minnows Shakhtar Donetsk, Feyenoord and Slovan Bratislava in their remaining games.
Both sides came into the game unbeaten and six points clear in their domestic leagues but in dire need of points in Europe.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian defender #05 Marquinhos (L) and Paris Saint-Germain’s Portuguese midfielder #87 Joao Neves react after losing the UEFA Champions League, League phase – Matchday 5, football match between FC Bayern Munich Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in Munich, southern Germany, on November 26, 2024. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)Source: AFP
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany opted for the speed of Leroy Sane over the creativity of France winger Michael Olise up front.
PSG boss Luis Enrique made five changes to his side but most notable was his decision to stick with goalkeeper Safonov, rather than Donnarumma, who had played all but one Champions League game this season.
Luis Enrique defended his call before the game, telling reporters: “I make my choices based on what I see on the pitch and what’s best for the team.” The decision appeared to pay off early, with Safonov responsible for good saves from Jamal Musiala and Sane inside the opening 12 minutes.
Kingsley Coman, the PSG academy product who scored the only goal in the 2020 final, almost broke the deadlock shortly afterwards, dribbling through five defenders and blasting just wide.
After PSG had a few opportunities of their own, including Joao Neves’ long-range effort whistling past the goalpost on 33 minutes, the Russian goalkeeper made a mistake which led directly to the opener.
Joshua Kimmich swung in a corner on the 38-minute mark which Safonov spilt. And Kim took advantage to power a header into the net for the first Champions League goal of his career.
Bayern were happy to let the game come to them in the second half but Dembele’s second yellow — his first had come for dissent — took the steam out of PSG’s hopes of a comeback.
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BARCELONA HIT BREST FOR THREE
Robert Lewandowski scored his 100th Champions League goal as Barcelona beat Brest 3-0 to climb provisionally second in the Champions League group standings on Tuesday.
The veteran striker slotted home from the spot in the 10th minute to fire the Catalans ahead and reach his milestone, adding a second late on after Dani Olmo’s goal to inflict the French side’s first defeat.
After dropping points in their last two outings in La Liga, coach Hansi Flick had urged his players to “eliminate” mistakes in their game and Barca produced a solid display.
They got off the mark quickly when Brest goalkeeper Marco Bizot clumsily clattered into the back of Lewandowski after the forward controlled Pedri’s cross on his chest.
The striker dusted himself down and dispatched the penalty clinically to open the scoring after 10 minutes and bring up his century.
It made Lewandowski only the third player to reach that milestone in the competition, behind former Barcelona great Lionel Messi, on 129, and former Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, with 140.
Under Flick, the forward’s form has improved significantly this season, reaching 22 goals in 19 appearances between La Liga and the Champions League.
The 36-year-old has made 125 Champions League appearances with Barcelona and before that German sides Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.
“I am very happy, many years ago I did not think I could score more than 100 goals in the Champions League,” Lewandowski told Movistar.
“For me the most important thing is that we try to win every game, if I can score, then that’s the perfect solution.
“I don’t know how many games we have left before the end of the year but we have to win them all and rest over Christmas.” Barcelona were still without teenage star Lamine Yamal, recovering from an ankle problem, but Raphinha was busy on the right and the Catalans dominated proceedings.
They did not create many clear chances though until Fermin Lopez forced a fine save from Bizot with a diving header.
The Dutch goalkeeper made amends for his earlier mistake by denying the Spaniard with his leg.
Pedri and Gavi of FC Barcelona smile following the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between FC Barcelona and Stade Brestois 29 at Estadi Olympic Lluis Companys on November 26, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Lopez again came close early in the second half when Lewandowski put him in with a neat flick but Bizot was alert to save his low effort.
Playmaker Olmo had an effort scrambled off the line by Brendan Chardonnet as Barcelona sought to put the game to bed.
The former RB Leipzig midfielder eventually grabbed the second in the 66th minute when he received Gerard Martin’s pass in the box, showing some nifty footwork to dodge Chardonnet and beat Bizot at the near post.
Brest thumped RB Salzburg 4-0 and had dropped just two points from their first four matches despite sitting in mid-table in Ligue 1, but were brought down to earth at the Olympic Stadium.
Mathias Pereira Lage drilled home to momentarily delight nearly 3,000 travelling supporters but their joy was curtailed when the linesman raised his flag for off-side.
Barca substitute Pablo Torre should have netted Barcelona’s third when he intercepted a pass with just the goalkeeper to beat, but fired wide.
Instead the job fell to Lewandowski and he rolled home his 101st Champions League goal with aplomb, beyond Bizot’s outstretched arm.
Brest fall a few places down the table but their strong start to the campaign means they are well placed to secure at least a playoff spot, while Barcelona are aiming to reach the last 16 directly.
Flick’s side travel to last season’s runners-up Borussia Dortmund next, before visiting Benfica and hosting Atalanta.
Netherlands outclassed Hungary with a 4-0 victory in their winner-takes-all Nations League encounter on Saturday while Germany hammered Bosnia and Hercegovina 7-0.
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Netherlands and Hungary went into the match tied on five points each and with the winner set to join Germany in ensuring their progress from Group A3 to the quarter-finals.
First-half penalties by Wout Weghorst and Cody Gakpo sent the Oranje on their way, before Denzel Dumfries and Teun Koopmeiners made the game safe in the second period.
The match at the Johan Cruyff Arena was briefly interrupted in the seventh minute following a medical emergency on the Hungarian bench.
The referee stopped play for some 10 minutes while Hungary’s assistant coach Adam Szalai received treatment, shielded from view by huddled players and staff members, as well as a large white sheet.
Szalai, 36, was stretchered off to applause from spectators and players alike, the Hungarian FA later released a statement saying he was “conscious” and in a “stable condition” at an Amsterdam hospital.
Almost forgotten in the aftermath of the worrying incident was the handball by Tamas Nikitscher as the ball was crossed into the Hungarian box.
The referee consulted the touchline video monitor and promptly restarted play by pointing to the spot, allowing Weghorst to sweep the Netherlands in front.
Denes Dibusz was the busier of the two goalkeepers as the first period wore on and had to be alert to keep out efforts from Tijjani Reijnders and Donyell Malen.
A medical tent is set up in front of the Hungary bench during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A3 match between Netherlands and Hungary at the Johan Cruijff Arena on November 16, 2024 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
In the 11th minute of added time, Dutch dominance told and Malen was clipped by Zsolt Nagy in the box.
Gakpo dispatched the resulting spot-kick, sending Dibusz the wrong way and Netherlands into a two-goal lead.
Right-back Dumfries sealed the Netherlands’ spot in the quarters as he latched onto Malen’s flick-on at the back post and fizzed a volley back into the far corner shortly after the hour.
Koopmeiners marked his first international match since 2022 by nodding in a fourth in the 86th minute.
– Germany cement top spot – Germany cemented their spot at the top of the group with a 7-0 win over Bosnia in Freiburg.
Jamal Musiala opened the floodgates after two minutes with a header from Joshua Kimmich’s cross.
Tim Kleindienst scored his first goal for Germany in the 23rd minute and Kai Havertz made the game safe eight minutes before the break, slotting home after a slick one-two with Florian Wirtz.
Wirtz then made it four on 50 minutes with a sublime swerving free-kick from wide on the left, before doubling up seven minutes later.
Substitute Leroy Sane scored Germany’s sixth in the 66th minute and Kleindienst completed the rout just over 10 minutes from time as he guided home a pinpoint cross from centre-half Antonio Rudiger.
The emphatic result leaves Germany five points ahead of Netherlands with only one match left to play.
In Group B1, Georgia played out a 1-1 draw at home to Ukraine. Mykhailo Mudryk was the creator of the opener for Ukraine when he burst down the right flank in the seventh minute, shimmied past the covering defender and drilled a low cross into the box, which Solomon Kverkvelia could only acrobatically direct past his own goalkeeper.
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But Georges Mikautadze levelled for Georgia with 14 minutes remaining and stay two points ahead of the fourth-placed visitors.
The Czech Republic drew 0-0 in Albania and remain top of the group on eight points, one ahead of Georgia in second and their third-placed opponents.
Turkey stayed top of Group B4 with a 0-0 draw at home to Wales, while Iceland beat Montenegro 2-0.
Turkey were presented with a golden opportunity to win the match inside the final five minutes when the referee decided that Neco Williams had just caught his man in the box before taking the ball.
Kerem Akturkoglu sent Karl Darlow the wrong way with his 89th-minute penalty but his effort clipped the outside of the post and went behind as Turkey failed to grow their two-point lead over Wales at the top of the group.
Oasis star Noel Gallagher made a bizarre commentary appearance as his beloved Manchester City went down 4-1 to Sporting CP in Ruben Amorim’s farewell match ahead of taking over at Old Trafford.
The new Manchester United manager immediately endeared himself to his new fans as his Portuguese side inflicted a third defeat in the space of a week on City to maintain their standing in second position on the Champions League table with ten points from four games.
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Amorim said pre-game that Red Devils fans might believe that “the new Alex Ferguson has arrived” if his team beat City, and he has poured fuel on the fire that is the Manchester derby.
LISBON, PORTUGAL – NOVEMBER 05: Ruben Amorim, Head Coach of Sporting CP, is thrown into the air by his players to celebrate his last home match as manager at the end of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Manchester City at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 05, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Pep Guardiola will get his chance for revenge on Amorim in the 39-year-old’s first Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium on December 15, but he has glaring issues to fix first.
Phil Foden opened the scoring for City in the fourth minute and it appeared they were back on track after a shock Premier League loss to Bournemouth at the weekend after being knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham mid-week.
Lifelong City fan Gallagher was even crowing about how easy things were on the pitch for his side, but almost as soon as the words came out of mouth, Sporting front man Viktor Gyökeres fired home their first goal in the 38th minute.
From then on despite City dominating possession (73%) and having more than double the amount of shots (20-9), Sporting had all the momentum on the counter and they rolled with it.
No more than 30 seconds into the second half they grabbed the lead courtesy of a great through ball picking out Maximiliano Araujo who was in on goal and smashed it home.
Former Brighton striker Gyökeres piled on the pain by slotting two second half penalties to ensure he took home the match ball.
At the other end, Erling Haaland had a chance to keep the game alive when City were 3-1 down but he blasted his penalty straight into the bar.
City’s injury issues still persist in defence and it was the first time they had conceded four goals in a Champions League match since Barcelona put four past them in 2016.
It was a painful return to Portugal for Lisbon-born Silva, who conceded City are mired in a damaging slump.
“It’s disappointing because we’re a bit in a dark place right now. Everything looks to be going in the wrong way,” he said.
“Even when we are playing well we don’t score our chances and we concede too easily.
“We need to get better very quickly otherwise it will be very difficult to come back from these losses.
“It’s difficult to find reasons for what is happening to us. It just looks like this team is going the wrong way now.
“Our injured players need to come back because we need them and it’s just not good enough tonight.”
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Ruthless Liverpool spoil Alonso’s return to Anfield
Xabi Alonso endured a miserable return to Anfield as Liverpool thrashed Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 on Tuesday, thanks to a Luis Diaz hat-trick, to go top of the Champions League table.
Cody Gakpo was also on target as the Reds maintained their 100 per cent record in Europe after four games.
Alonso, a Champions League winner during his playing days in the Liverpool midfield, turned his back on succeeding Jurgen Klopp to remain at Leverkusen after leading them to an unbeaten German league and cup double last season.
Liverpool, though, are not left wondering what might have been as Arne Slot continued his stunning start as manager with a 14th win in 16 games in all competitions.
Leverkusen remain on seven points from their opening four Champions League matches after another sobering night for their ambitions to match the heights they hit last season.
Alonso’s men sit fourth in the Bundesliga, seven points adrift of leaders Bayern Munich, and failed to master what Alonso described pre-match as a “beautiful challenge”.
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The Spaniard cut a frustrated figure on the touchline as his side struggled to get into the slick passing rhythm they have become famed for during his tenure.
The German champions, though, created the best of what chances there were in a first half short on goalmouth action.
Jeremie Frimpong saw appeals for a penalty waved away when he went down with a clear sight of goal under a challenge from Kostas Tsimikas.
Frimpong also had the ball in the net just before the break but handled before racing through to finish.
Liverpool’s best opening of the half came seconds later when Curtis Jones’ excellent pass finally found some space for Gakpo, but his powerful effort was repelled at his near post by Lukas Hradecky.
Just like in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Brighton that took Slot’s men to the top of the Premier League, it took until the second half for both Liverpool and the Anfield crowd to come to life.
Mohamed Salah should have done better when he sliced wide after a jinking run through the Leverkusen midfield by Ryan Gravenberch.
A cagey tactical battle was sparked into life on the hour mark by a moment of stunning quality.
”Ange Postecoglou blew my mind” | 01:18
Jones spun his marker before splitting the Leverkusen defence with a pinpoint pass for Diaz, who nonchalantly chipped the advancing Hradecky.
Moments later, Liverpool had killed the visitors off with another flowing move. Salah’s driven cross was headed in at the back post by the flying Gakpo. The linesman raised his flag to momentarily silence the celebrations, but a VAR review showed the Dutch forward was onside for his sixth goal of the season.
Victor Boniface headed wide with a huge chance to bring Leverkusen immediately back into the game.
Instead, Liverpool pulled further clear seven minutes from time when Diaz controlled Salah’s looping cross and fired home.
The Colombian then rounded off the scoring with his ninth of the season in stoppage time with another clinical finish after Darwin Nunez’s blocked shot fell into his path.
Liverpool’s return of 12 points means they are almost certainly already assured of a place in the knockout phase, but are closing in on sealing direct progression to the last 16 via a top-eight finish in the 36-team league.
New Man U coach sends warning to City | 01:18
AC Milan topple Champions League holders Real Madrid
Champions League holders Real Madrid fell to a 3-1 home defeat by AC Milan on Tuesday in the group stage with striker Kylian Mbappe unable to find the net again.
The 25-year-old France captain has scored once in his last six matches for Madrid across all competitions, including three losses for Los Blancos.
Malick Thiaw headed the Italian side ahead before Vinicius Junior levelled from the penalty spot for the hosts.
Alvaro Morata struck against his former side to restore Milan’s lead before the break and Tijjani Reijnders netted the third to secure Milan’s victory.
Madrid were unable to bounce back strongly from the 4-0 thrashing by Barcelona in late October, their last outing after Saturday’s La Liga match at Valencia was postponed because of devastating floods in the east of Spain.
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Players from both sides wore t-shirts before the match reading “We are all Valencia” while in one stand a giant Valencia regional flag was unfurled for a minute’s silence.
Carlo Ancelotti, who won the Champions League twice as a player and then twice as a coach with Milan, only made one change from the Clasico humiliation, bringing in Luka Modric for Eduardo Camavinga.
Madrid may have been keen to set things right in front of their fans at the Santiago Bernabeu but fell behind in the 12th minute.
Thiaw’s near-post header from a corner flew past the helpless Andriy Lunin to earn the Serie A side the lead.
Mike Maignan saved from Mbappe at the other end as Madrid hit back, with Vinicius winning a penalty as he fell under a clumsy tackle from Emerson Royal.
The Brazilian, who finished as runner-up in last week’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris when he had been favourite to win, coolly dispatched it with a cheeky dinked Panenka effort.
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Milan regained the lead in the 39th minute through former Madrid striker Morata, who reacted quickly to fire home after Lunin saved from Rafael Leao.
Mbappe, yet to find top form in a Madrid shirt since his move from Paris Saint-Germain and particularly frustrated in the Barcelona defeat, broke in again before half-time but Maignan saved his low effort.
Ancelotti took action at half-time, bringing on Camavinga and Brahim Diaz, and it opened up the second half for an end-to-end affair.
Lunin made a superb flying save from Leao’s header and the Portuguese forward wasted a couple of opportunities on the break.
Leao made amends by teeing up Reijnders at the end of a superb solo run to turn home for Milan’s third after 73 minutes.
Antonio Rudiger smashed home for Madrid after a poor Maignan punch but the goal was disallowed for a tight off-side against the defender.
Maignan made a fine late save to deny Diaz and it killed any Madrid hopes of a comeback, like in their previous Champions League outing against Borussia Dortmund.
Madrid have now lost two of their four matches and are in the middle of the table, provisionally 17th, one place above Milan.
But that is exactly what has happened according to multiple reports on Friday, with Thybulle one of five players to be cut as attention now turns to what Australia’s starting line-up and rotation could look like moving forward.
Here, foxsports.com.au looks at some of the winners and losers from the squad cut along with some key questions that will be answered in the coming weeks before Paris.
Watch the Opals’ Olympic warm-up game against China on Friday at 7:30pm AEST, on Foxtel and Kayo via ESPN. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
Aussies will struggle to medal in Paris? | 03:20
WHY NO THYBULLE?
Let’s start with the most controversial omission.
It was widely assumed Thybulle would be on the plane to Paris because why wouldn’t he be?
Sure, Thybulle was uncharacteristically quiet at the FIBA World Cup but you only have to look back to the Tokyo Games to see how lethal he can be on the defensive end, teaming up with Dante Exum to help lock down Luka Doncic in Australia’s bronze medal win.
There is an argument to be made that the Boomers already have athletic, defensive-minded wings in Josh Green and Dyson Daniels so to some extent there is too much of a crossover in skills, especially when you consider how important shooting is in contrast in FIBA games.
But Thybulle had improved as a 3-point shooter in his past season at Portland and given the Boomers seemingly want to play a fast-paced, up-tempo offence at Paris, you would think getting stops on the defensive end will be important to realising that goal.
A guy like Thybulle will do just that. Even if you account for the shooting concerns, Thybulle is also further along in that regard than Daniels.
Although given Daniels is considered a key part of the Boomers’ long-term plans, maybe it was a case of sacrificing some shooting to give the 21-year-old an opportunity to grow with an eye to future tournaments.
Boomers legend Andrew Bogut said on the first episode of NBL Media’s ‘The Gold Standard’ podcast this morning that leaving out Thybulle was an “interesting” call.
“He’s arguably the best defender on that squad and one of the best defenders in the NBA,” Bogut said.
“I think his shooting and the ups and downs of his shooting was a concern and how I think in the last campaign I wouldn’t say he disappeared but he struggled with that when his shot wasn’t falling.”
Matisse Thybulle was left out. Picture: Adam HeadSource: News Corp Australia
HOW ABOUT XAVIER COOKS?
It wasn’t as big a shock to see Cooks left out, although there was certainly an argument that could be made that he should have definitely been in the squad if you left Thybulle out.
Both Bogut and Brad Newley said on ‘The Gold Standard Podcast’ that they would have had Cooks in their 12-man squad irrespective of whether Thybulle was selected.
But without Thybulle, you would have thought the Boomers would have put more value in someone like Cooks with his athleticism, versatility and defence.
It definitely would have been a particularly tough call for Goorjian to leave him out given how much the Boomers coach praised Cooks at last year’s FIBA World Cup while he is also going to be Cooks’ coach at the Kings next year.
Again, maybe it was a case of Australia prioritising Kay’s shooting, although he was hunted defensively in switches at the World Cup, so the Boomers will need a plan to combat that.
Bogut said he thought Cooks had “outplayed” Kay “a little bit” during his time at Boomers camp.
“A lot of people will say this is Sydney Kings bias. I was at the camps. I like to think I’m not biased, I call it how I see it and I thought he outplayed Nick Kay a little bit,” he said.
“But Kay’s got the shooting arm over X. But then you’re taking Jack McVeigh so I thought that would nullify bringing in a Nick Kay and maybe going with an X because I think X did a great job at the five spot, grabbing the rebound, pushing it up… creating a lot of crossmatches.”
‘He looks old’ – Patty shouldn’t start?! | 02:43
HARD LUCK FOR GOULDING
Ultimately, it looks like this was a case of there only being space for one of Jack McVeigh and Chris Goulding, with the Tasmania JackJumper winning out.
There isn’t much more Goulding could have done, going 8-for-12 from deep during the warm-up games against China, making it easy to visualise how he could fit into this Boomers team, launching corner 3s.
McVeigh’s versatility likely won him the role in the end, although you could make an argument Australia needs all the shooting it can get and so there could have been space for both players.
“Chris is as good a shooter as anyone on the planet. He’s proven that throughout his career,” former teammate Newley said.
Chris Goulding did all he could. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
DELLY THE ‘BOLTER’ THAT JUST WON’T GO AWAY
One of the best stories to come out of this squad is Matthew Dellavedova forcing his way back into the picture after missing out on selection for the World Cup last year.
If there is one word to sum up Delly it is scrappy, fighting every inch — whether it is for a ball that seems destined to go out of bounds or, in this case, another shot in the green and gold.
You only have to look at what Dellavedova did in the lead-up to the World Cup last year when he found out he wasn’t even part of Goorjian’s 17-man squad.
Speaking on his Rogues Bogues podcast at the time, Bogut said he heard Goorjian told Dellavedova over the phone he would not be part of the pre-tournament Cairns camp.
“I heard that Delly was actually told not to come to Cairns camp,” Bogut said.
“… The conversation, with whoever called him to make that call, I think it was Brian Goorjian, and Delly was like ‘nah f*** that, I’m coming to the camp’.
“And they were like ‘no, you’re not in the squad’ and I guess there was a back and forth and Delly was just like ‘you’re going to have to look me in the face and cut me’. Basically, ‘I’m going to prove you wrong’.
“People will look at that like ‘what the hell’. I loved it. Obviously, there isn’t (sic) a lot of people with the currency to do that. If you’re a fringe guy that’s never made the national team, you can’t be doing that.
“But it was probably a tough thing for (Dellavedova). He’s been an integral part of the national team.”
Matthew Dellavedova forced his way back into the team. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Just one example of the never-say-die attitude that has Dellavedova back in Goorjian’s plans, capitalising on a standout season with the Melbourne United in the NBL to suit up for his fourth Olympics.
Newley described Dellavedova as the “bolter” in this year’s squad, adding that the competitive fire he brings on and off the court will bring the most out of his teammates.
“He’s made the team and that guy did everything he could to make it,” Newley said.
“He carried us to a Finals campaign last year. Just to see him back in the line-up… hats off to him, what a warrior.
“Delly is the surprise packet… he bleeds green and gold and they might have missed that in the last campaign. He’s definitely going to bring that to this one.”
Bogut, meanwhile, revealed that from what he saw and heard at Boomers camp, Dellavedova left Goorjian with no choice but to recall him.
Matthew Dellavedova is all effort. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“People will look at that and say how did Delly make it? How did he get back in? His squad didn’t lose a practice,” Bogut said.
“The team that he was on over the three or four days, even before I arrived, they said that his team was winning 90% of the drills and the five on fives and all the stuff that they were doing.
“… All reports were he was locked in from day one and that energy is infectious. He picks up full court, he’s talking, he’s vocal and he’s a guy that you don’t have to worry about as a coach that he’s gonna complain and mope that he’s not getting minutes two games into a campaign and perhaps not play that well or not be locked in.
“He’s gonna be locked in every minute of the game whether he’s getting a DNP or playing minutes. So I think it’s well deserved for Delly.”
Dellavedova will likely not see many minutes in Paris and, as Bogut alluded to, could even be a DNP for a few games but the great thing about the veteran guard is the fact he will always be ready if his name is called.
Boomers beat China in final home game | 02:18
ANOTHER BIG WIN FOR THE JACKJUMPERS
First, they defended the island and won their first NBL championship.
Now they have two Boomers after both Jack McVeigh and Will Magnay earned selection in Goorjian’s 12-man squad.
For McVeigh in particular it is reward for perseverance, having rebuilt his career after being benched in his third year of college basketball at The University of Nebraska, going to carve out a solid career in the NBL before really breaking out in his past season with the JackJumpers.
McVeigh averaged 16.4 points and 5.3 assists per game, going to another level in the Championship Series on the way to being named MVP and was later rewarded with a new contract that will keep him in Tasmania until the end of the 2027 season.
McVeigh, who put on a shooting clinic in the first warm-up game against China, sacrificed honeymoon plans in Bali in the hope of instead booking a ticket to Paris.
It was a sacrifice worth making in the end.
McVeigh will be a key spark plug off the bench while Magnay likely won’t see many minutes.
He will instead probably be a match-up specific big for Goorjian, who can help fill in if either Jock Landale or Duop Reath run into foul trouble while he is also an insurance policy of sorts after Australia’s lack of size was exposed at the World Cup last year without Landale.
Jack McVeigh shot the ball well. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
THE BIG ‘QUESTION’ HANGING OVER INGLES
It always seemed like Joe Ingles was going to feature for the Boomers in what will be his fifth Olympic Games, although things will still be different for the veteran this time around.
It is hard to see him in the starting line-up while minutes in general may be restricted to make the most of the 36-year-old’s strengths without stretching him too far to the extent that he becomes too much of a liability on the defensive end.
Ingles sent Goorjian a reminder of his value as a playmaker running the second unit in Thursday’s warm-up game against China and should be valuable in that connective role off the bench at Paris.
Obviously he is also a key locker room voice and leader who was part of Australia’s historic bronze medal triumph in Tokyo too, so Ingles will be an important member of the squad in that respect too.
But Bogut said on Friday that just how many minutes Ingles will get at Paris remains a mystery, especially when you consider the fast-paced style of offence the Boomers want to run.
What role will Ingles have? (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“Are there minutes there for him? That’s my question,” he said.
“Are there mass minutes for Joe Ingles? I don’t know, with the style of play they’re trying to take. They’re trying to go up-tempo.
“I think where Joe was really good and has been really good for the Boomers and throughout his career is he’s a slow down pace where he can create out of the pick-and-roll and he comes out of it really slowly, he can find whoever he needs to find… is he going to have 15 to 20 minutes? I’m not sure.
“He’s coming off the bench obviously but that’s the question. Can he be that guy off the bench that plays limited minutes at times and stays locked in as an older guy?”
CAN THE BOOMERS AFFORD TO STAY PATTY?
Bogut though was more firm in the fact that Patty Mills needs to come off the bench at this year’s Olympics.
Mills will go down in history for his 42-point heroics in the bronze medal game against Slovenia, but at this stage it is hard to see him replicating that sort of production at this year’s Games.
The veteran guard went 1-for-11 from the field in a worrying warm-up game against China on Thursday and also struggled to get his shots falling at last year’s World Cup.
Considering Mills’ shooting is easily his biggest value add to this team, the Boomers better hope he finds his shot. Otherwise, he is another guy who could be reduced to limited minutes off the bench.
“I think if you’re starting Giddey, I don’t think you start Patty,” Bogut said.
“I think Giddey’s journey, his career’s going up, but he’s not there yet defensively. He probably needs some work on that end, and he knows that.
“Patty’s not a great defender. So I don’t think you can start both of those two. I think we saw that at the World Cup, I just don’t think you can start those two and play them mass minutes together.”
Patty Mills could come off the bench. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Bogut said he would prefer to see Mills come off the bench in a “gunning role” but also questioned how effective that will be if the 35-year-old can’t find his shooting rhythm.
“It’s just looked forced and clunky at times trying to find it,” Bogut added.
“He had a similar lead-up in the last Olympic and World Cup year… and then he popped up and had at least a great Olympics. But that is a concern.”
Should Mills start off the bench, that leaves Giddey and Dante Exum in the backcourt with Jock Landale and Josh Green also locked into starting roles while the four spot is the only one seemingly up for grabs in that scenario.
Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has added two A-League alumni to his staff, with former Central Coast Mariners duo Nick Montgomery and Sergio Raimundo joining as assistant coaches.
Montgomery and Raimundo were the architects of the Mariners’ thrilling A-League resurgence as head coach and assistant respectively.
The duo guided the Central Coast to the championship in 2022/23 thanks to a 6-1 mauling of Melbourne City in the grand final, the club’s first title since 2013.
However, Montgomery and Raimundo departed before the 23/24 season for Scottish Premiership side Hibernian.
Unfortunately the pair’s time in Edinburgh lasted just eight months after Montgomery was sacked having failed to record a top-half finish.
In a club statement, Postecoglou revealed his excitement at bringing the duo onto his staff at Tottenham.
“Both Nick and Sergio have a wealth of coaching experience over a number of years,” Postecoglou said.
“They have already demonstrated a strong desire to both develop young talent and implement a football style that I believe will further strengthen the environment we have established. I’m looking forward to working with them.”
Nick Montgomery has been appointed as an assistant coach at Tottenham. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Montgomery and Raimundo join a coaching staff that includes former Mariners skipper and Australian great Mile Jedinak along with Ryan Mason and Rob Burch.
Matt Wells has also been promoted to senior assistant coach after Chris Davies was appointed League One side Birmingham City’s manager.
With Montgomery and Raimundo working under Postecoglou, it means the Australian’s coaching tree grows even more and continues his trend of giving Aussie and A-League coaches a platform to progress.
Harry Kewell spent time as an assistant under Postecoglou at Celtic and now manages Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan while Kevin Muscat, now at Shanghai Port in China, worked with the Tottenham boss during his stint at Melbourne Victory.
Tottenham kick off their 24/25 Premier League season with a trip to newly-promoted Leicester City on August 20 (AEST).
After a record-breaking 2023-24 season, the NBL has announced the fixture for the 2024-25 campaign, with a huge opening in the west and blockbuster games galore.
The Tasmania JackJumpers will begin their title defence in the opening game of the season, played in Perth as part of ‘HoopsFest’ on Thursday September 19.
All 10 teams will begin their season in WA with the JackJumpers facing their Championship Series opponent Melbourne United in the opener, then hosting United in Tasmania a week later.
More than a million fans attended NBL games last season and it’s hoped the 2:30pm Sunday timeslot, to be aired on Channel 10 as well as Foxtel/Kayo via ESPN (where every game will be shown), will become a marquee fixture.
Brian Goorjian’s return as Sydney coach will take place in the first Sunday 2:30pm game, while Xavier Cooks’ first game back in front of Kings fans will be on September 29.
Clint Steindl, Majok Deng, Milton Doyle and Jordon Crawford of the JackJumpers celebrate with the trophy after winning game five of the NBL Championship Grand Final Series between Melbourne United and Tasmania JackJumpers at John Cain Arena, on March 31, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Other highlights include:
– The first Throwdown of the season between the new-look Phoenix and United on September 26
– Hostile rivals the Wildcats and Kings clash on September 27
– The Bullets return to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on October 5 against the Kings
Queensland rivals the Taipans and Bullets meet for the first time on November 2
– Former Kings Angus Glover, Derrick Walton Jr and Jordan Hunter return to Sydney as members of the Phoenix on November 8
– The Breakers return to Wellington for the first time since 2018 on December 7 against the Kings
– Nathan Sobey makes his return to Brisbane after a controversial exit from the Bullets when he leads the Phoenix against his former side on December 12
– The 36ers host their annual Christmas Eve game against the Bullets
– Christmas hoops returns with another double-header as the Kings host the Hawks and JackJumpers host the Breakers
– The Taipans host a blockbuster Boxing Day fixture against United
– The NBL brings in 2025 with a bang, with a New Year’s Eve double-header consisting of the Hawks hosting the Phoenix and the Taipans hosting the Breakers
– January set to become the summer month of hoops, with 35 games to be played between January 2-25. This includes at least one game every day from January 7-20
– A massive final round of the season includes QLD rivals Taipans and Bullets battling, NSW rivals Hawks and Kings clashing, traditional rivals Wildcats and 36ers resuming hostilities and a Throwdown between United and Phoenix as the last game on February 8
The magical sporting story that is the Central Coast Mariners has delivered the ultimate final chapter with back-to-back A-League championship wins and a history making treble of trophies in season 2023/24 following an epic 3-1 extra time win over the Melbourne Victory in Gosford.
Just when you thought the Central Coast fairytale had finally come to an end, English striker Ryan Edmonson delivered a superb normal time equaliser in the 91st minute to break Victory hearts, just minutes away from what would have been a record equalling fifth Australian football title for them.
Ryan Edmondson celebrates scoring a goal. (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
His heroics were matched by that of Mariners youngster Miguel Di Pizio who struck early in the first half of extra-time, finishing off a move that he started himself.
The 18-year-old drove forward from midfield and got on the end of a Ronald Barcellos cross to become the youngest scorer in A-League Grand Final history.
As the Victory pushed forward in hope of an extra-time equaliser, Edmondson added his second to secure the Joe Marston Medal for best on ground and ultimately seal a treble winning feat that is simply hard to fathom for a club that was once the laughing stock of the competition.
The match-winning moments sent a record breaking, sell-out crowd of 21,379 in Gosford into utter delirium as they celebrate a club that is now the jewel of the region as it continued to defy every obstacle possible over the last two years to become arguably the best single season team in A-League history.
That emotion spilled over on the final whistle as the Mariners fans ran onto the field to celebrate with their heroes and manager Mark Jackson in spectacular scenes not seen before in an A-League Grand Final but one fitting of an Australian football feat that is simply unmatched.
Instrumental in both Mariners goals was Socceroo midfielder Josh Nisbet, who may be diminutive in stature but is simply massive in heart and talent.
Once the Mariners went behind, he drove his side on like no other to help set-up both goals and add a Championship Medal to his Johnny Warren Medal for best player of the season.
The defeat for the Victory continues one of the more stunning droughts in Australian sport, that of manager Tony Popovic and his now five Grand Final losses across spells with Western Sydney, Perth and now Melbourne.
His credentials as a manager are undoubted but it’s a heartbreaking hurdle that he simply cannot get past.
It is one he and the Victory faithful thought he had finally evaded though after Jason Geria’s second half strike to put the Victory 1-nil up.
The Mariners celebrate with Ryan Edmondson. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)Source: Getty ImagesDanny Vukovic and Ryan Edmondson of the Central Coast Mariners celebrate Edmondson scoring a goal. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
The 31-year-old Socceroo was set-up nicely by some tricky interplay from Daniel Arzani and Jordi Valadon who teed Geria up on the edge of the area to side-foot a stunning strike home into the top left-hand corner to send the several thousand travelling Victory fans into ecstasy.
That only served to spark the Mariners out of their malaise and into history making action.
With Nisbet and his midfield compadrade Max Balard at the heart of every foray forward they finally broke a resolute Victory defence late in normal time and seemingly driven on by an entire city, went on with it to deliver a second successive championship for the Central Coast Mariners, third trophy for the season and third title in their now glittering history.
NISBET’S SEASON CRYSTALLISED
There are few better on-field stories in Australian football than Josh Nisbet. The Mariners dynamo’s spectacular campaign was rewarded with a first Socceroos cap this year and now he has a Championship and Johnny Warren Medal – the highest individual honour in the domestic game – to go with it for the player of the season. The award was presented at full-time with Nisbet finishing on 36 votes, seven clear of Victory striker Bruno Fornaroli with Wellington star Kosta Barbarouses in third.
VISCIOUS OPENING
Bar a couple of Daniel Arzani long range strikes, and a Ryan Teague header, there weren’t a plethora of chances in the first half but the game, that the Victory had the better of early, was played at a cracking place with plenty of physicality. So much so, that a head clash between Victory defender Damien Da Silva and Mariners striker Alou Kuol left both players bloodied and needing head strapping. With his bleached blonde hair, Kuol cut a true retro figure but the knock took enough out of him for him to be substituted at half-time.
GLORIOUS GOSFORD
The A-League may have its myriad of issues at present but the finals series yet again has shown the support is certainly there. There were sold out finals the whole way through and the Grand Final arena, adjacent to the Gosford water, presented a stunning scene. Three thousand travelling Victory fans added plenty to a sold out stadium while every surrounding pub and restaurant was adorned with Mariners colours and will now be in celebration mode for weeks and possibly months to come.
Newly crowned premiers and AFC Cup Champions, the Central Coast Mariners have one foot inside the A-League Men grand final.
Sydney FC were the only team to beat the Mariners since round four and were considered their bogey team, touted as the favourites to take down the reigning champions ahead of the decider.
Two red cards for Sydney FC to Jack Rodwell and Corey Hollman, the latter being a second yellow, put the home team down to nine for the remaining few minutes.
Although it was only the first of two legs and the margin wasn’t a big one, the Mariners looked to be clearly the stronger team.
Mariners star Joshua Nisbet gets the ball past Sydney FC goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne to score a goal during the A-League Men Semi Final. Picture: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Mariners coach Mark Jackson said despite the win, he’s not looking too far ahead.
“We’re not there, we’re far from it,” Jackson said post match.
“You know, people say it’s one game but Sydney are a formidable team and they’re a dangerous team.
“And you know what people say, beware of the wounded animal, and we’ve got to be prepared for what they’re going to bring.”
Joel King’s strike deflected off multiple Mariners defenders, sneaking past Vukovic and handing the Sky Blues the lead.
Sydney FC’s Anthony Caceres is challenged by Central Coast’s Bradley Tapp. Picture: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
The half was set to end with Sydney in front but Josh Nisbet did what he does best, putting himself in the middle of the action to capitalise on a deflected shot and levelling the scores at the break.
Christian Theoharis gifted the Mariners a penalty after a bad tackle from Anthony Caceres in the box, which was expertly converted by Mariners Medallist Mikael Doka.
Down by a goal and struggling to break through the Mariners’ defence, Sydney were clearly frustrated and it showed in how they played.
Rodwell was the clear example, with his studs-up tackle on Theoharis worthy of a red card after VAR intervention.
Sydney FC’s Jack Rodwell receives a red card. Picture: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Young Jake Hollman let his frustrations get the better of him late on with his foul on Ronald Barcellos earning him his second yellow card and his marching orders.
Sydney coach Ufuk Talay said he doesn’t believe frustration was behind the second half send-offs.
Sydney FC will now be without Rodwell, Hollman and Joe Lolley for the second leg in Gosford, with Lolley picking up a season-ending injury in last week’s win over Macarthur.
Central Coast Mariners have become just the second A-League men’s outfit to win an Asian club competition after beating Lebanese team Al-Ahed 1-0 in the AFC Cup final.
An 84th-minute goal from substitute Alou Kuol at the Sultan Qaboos Sport Complex in Muscat, Oman on Monday morning (AEST) secured the Mariners the victory, as well as $2.3 million in prizemoney.
The Mariners also remain on track to win the treble after clinching the A-League premiership last Wednesday.
They will now return home to contest the A-League finals series in the hope of securing a third trophy this season by winning a second successive championship.
Central Coast Mariners coach Mark Jackson has guided his team to AFC Cup glory. Picture: Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“I always knew that we could come here and get the win,” Mariners coach Mark Jackson said after his team ended a 10-year wait for a second A-League club to win an Asian crown after Western Sydney Wanderers’ AFC Champions League success in 2014.
“It was a really difficult game against a great opponent but we’ve got full belief in the boys.
“It’s a fantastic achievement for the lads, the staff, everybody at the club and the supporters as well.
“On to the next one now.”
Jackson praised his skipper and goalkeeper Danny Vukovic, who made a brilliant first-half save to deny Al-Ahed striker Lee Erwin.
“It was a fantastic save from ‘Vuka’ – outstanding,” Jackson said.
“What a leader (he is) for this football club, and long may that continue.
“He’s superb to have in the team. He leads by example.”
The Mariners will also go down in history as the final club to win the AFC Cup, which will be scrapped next season to make way for the three-tier Asian Football Confederation men’s club competitions – the AFC Champions League Elite, AFC Champions League 2 and AFC Challenge League.
Central Coast will contest the 2024-25 Champions League Elite competition courtesy of their A-League premiership win.
