Melbourne Victory claimed a 3-2 win over Sydney FC in the first Big Blue of the 2022-23 A-League Men season on Saturday evening.
Robert Mak put Sydney ahead after 15 minutes but Victory responded when Nick D'Agostino headed in a powerful effort in the 31st minute to tie things up before Nani teed up second-half substitute Chris Ikonomidis for the lead in the 67th.
James Donachie headed in a Diego Caballo free kick in the 79th minute to restore parity but the Victorians were again able to respond and delivered what would prove the telling blow when Ikonomidis set up Josh Brillante for a simple tap-in to win it seven minutes from time.
The match was the first the Sky Blues played at the newly renovated Sydney Football Stadium.
Victory Coach Tony Popovic said afterwards: "We scored three away goals. Fantastic stadium, tough opponent. It's a big win, a great win ... [and] it will only get better. It's a brand new backline apart from Roderick Miranda. We know that will improve. If you look at our second and third goals, they were fantastic goals. There's things to build on."
