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Revenge won't be on Perth Glory's mind when they host Sydney FC at HBF Park on Wednesday night.
Perth captain Diego Castro insists his team don't hold any grudges against Sydney FC despite having their title hopes ended by the Sky Blues two years in a row.
The arch rivals have a rich recent history, with the Sky Blues bucking the odds to beat Glory in a penalty shootout in the 2018/19 grand final.
Last season, Sydney beat Glory 2-0 in the semi-finals before going on to win their second straight crown.
The two powerhouses find themselves in unfamiliar territory this season, with Sydney currently sitting sixth and Glory ninth.
The rivalry will still run hot when they clash at Perth's HBF Park on Wednesday night, but Castro played down talk of any bad blood.
"In no way do we feel rage," Castro said.
"There is no type of resentment or bad blood. It's the opposite, it's something that motivates us to get a better result.
"It's always good to put a bit of spice on these games when you are taking on rivals where there is a history. It always gives you a bit more motivation.
"Personally, I admire those teams who we have played against for important things.
"I am sure we are going to meet in the future as well. I still think that we are two of the best teams in the league, irrespective of the situation that we find ourselves in."
Glory made a barnstorming start to the season, scoring 18 goals across their first six games to rocket into title contention.
But the youth-laden squad has hit a major road block since then, scoring just three goals during a four-match winless run.
Three of those results have been losses, but Castro is confident the team's form will soon turn around.
"If you look, there is an evolution. Many young players have arrived, and you have to have patience, and help them," Castro said.
"Like I say to my kids, the exams are at the end of the season, not in the middle."
Sydney have given their title defence a timely boost with wins over Western United and Newcastle in their past two matches.
