3 minute read
A snapshot of the action from week two of the A-League finals, where Melbourne City and Sydney FC qualified for the grand final.
WHAT HAPPENED IN WEEK TWO OF THE A-LEAGUE FINALS:
* THEY SAID IT:
"He's just a champion of the code here in this country. So sad that it ended for him the way it did but at the same time we've gained a fantastic person in our football department." - Macarthur coach Ante Milicic after captain Mark Milligan played his final professional game in the loss to Melbourne City, ahead of a move into the Bulls' coaching department
* STATS THAT MATTER: Sydney FC have progressed to their third consecutive grand final and will be aiming to become the first A-League team to go back-to-back-to-back.
* MAN OF THE ROUND: Boyhood Melbourne Heart fan Stefan Colakovski delivered the breakthrough goal for City when he tapped home Marco Tilio's cross against Macarthur in the 54th minute. A minute later, he turned provider, controlling a long ball then putting the ball on a plate for Tilio to double City's lead.
* KEY MOMENT:
City defender Nuno Reis pulled off an incredible goal-line clearance to stop Charles M'Mombwa handing Macarthur the lead. In the 32nd minute, M'Mombwa pinched the ball away from Aiden O'Neill, rounded Tom Glover and slid a shot towards goal - only for Reis to rush back and make a last-ditch clearance.
* TALKING POINT: Melbourne City already had the home semi-final they were entitled to moved from AAMI Park to Netstrata Jubilee Stadium but will hope prospects of crowds in Melbourne next weekend allow them to host the grand final against Sydney FC in Melbourne. APL commissioner Greg O'Rourke said the league will push for the game to be at AAMI Park.
* WHAT'S NEXT: It's grand final time! Melbourne City will play Sydney FC on Saturday 26 June. City will sweat on the fitness of wingers Craig Noone and Andrew Nabbout, who both missed the semi-final, while the Sky Blues will hope Milos Ninkovic recovers from a calf strain in time.
