Sydney FC 6 Melbourne Victory 1: Big Blue thrashing earns Grand Final spot
Jamie Smith
May 12, 2019 11:21 MYT
May 12, 2019 11:21 MYT
Sydney FC hammered Melbourne Victory 6-1 in the Big Blue to end the A-League champions' hopes of defending their title in this season's Grand Final.
Steve Corica's side led 3-0 at half-time at the Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on Sunday and added to their lead further after the interval.
A second-half brace from Adam Le Fondre ensured Sydney delivered a battering to Victory, who have competed in each of the past two Grand Finals.
Sydney, who lifted the trophy by beating Victory in 2016-2017 but lost to the same opposition in the semi-finals last season, will now face Perth Glory in the A-League Grand Final.
FT | See you in Perth next Sunday! It's a Mother's Day massacre at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium!#SydneyIsSkyBlue #ComeWithUs #FeelTheFinals #BigBlue pic.twitter.com/F7JfsEUPKE — Sydney FC (@SydneyFC) May 12, 2019
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Corica's men took an early lead thanks to a huge mistake from Victory goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas, who spilled a cross for Aaron Calver to convert from close range.
And they doubled their lead in the 43rd minute with a goal out of the top drawer as Alex Brosque gave Thomas no chance with a fantastic volleyed drive.
The goalkeeper was beaten for a third time on the stroke of half-time. Siem de Jong whipped in a superb cross from the right wing and Victory skipper Leigh Broxham could only direct a header into his own goal.
HT | Advantage Sky Blues at the break in a comfortable first 45! What's in store in the next 45? #SydneyIsSkyBlue #ComeWithUs #FeelTheFinals #BigBlue pic.twitter.com/HM53FG5fsH — Sydney FC (@SydneyFC) May 12, 2019
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The Sydney onslaught continued after the break with Le Fondre brought down by Georg Niedermeier, the striker smashing home the penalty himself.
Le Fondre struck his second of the game and 19th A-League goal of the season in the 68th minute, running on to a Milos Ninkovic pass to steer a finish across Thomas.
Ninkovic completed the humiliation by steering home a low volley from Joshua Brillante's right-wing centre, although Victory netted a late consolation when Ola Toivonen headed in from close range.
Perth Glory will face Sydney in next Sunday's final, which will be played at Optus Stadium.