Festive football is a tradition around the world, and Sydney FC have enjoyed some memorable Christmas clashes down the years. From Brosque’s backheels to Mierzejewski’s moments of magic, Here’s a look at the Sky Blue’s top 5 games during the festive season.
1. Bobo’s second hat trick in a week – 30th December 2017
As 2017 drew to a close, Sydney FC had only lost one league game in the 17/18 season when Perth Glory travelled to Allianz stadium and the Sky Blues were ready to show no mercy. Brandon O’Neill scored Sydney FC’s first with a simple finish after the ball was squared by Milos Ninkovic, and the Sky Blues did not take their foot off the accelerator.
An early second half goal by Adrian Mierzejewski doubled the Sky Blues advantage and, from there, they ran rampant. Alex Brosque was once again on the scoresheet with a flicked header and five minutes later Bobô was brought down inside the box, converting the subsequent penalty. Bobô then produced one of the great Sydney FC goals, flicking up a no-look Mierzejewski pass with his heel before volleying it past Liam Reddy. The goal summed up a perfect night and Bobô scored another penalty in the dying minutes securing his second hat-trick in seven days (Wellington 4-1 away 23/12/2017) and a place in the history books as Sydney FC won 6-0.
2. Late Emerton Strike Secures Marvelous Win – 27th December 2012
Sydney FC sat bottom of the table as they took on the high-flying Central Coast Mariners in 2012. The Sky Blues had lost their last game against the Mariners 7-2, leaving expectations low for the return fixture at Allianz stadium. However, Sydney FC held their own and as much as they tried the Mariners couldn’t break down the back line.
Just as it looked like Sydney FC were happy to play for a goalless draw, a 90th minute looping cross courtesy of Ali Abbas found Brett Emerton, who’s header flew over Mathew Ryan and into the back of the net. A late red card to Tom Rogic for a tackle on Rhyan Grant, Rogic’s final moments in A-League football didn’t spoil the party. The Sky Blue members went home with a Christmas miracle as the Sky Blues defeated the table topping Mariners by a goal to nil.
3. Mariners On The Wrong End Of Hammering – 26th December 2015
When talking about Sydney FC heroes, the name Alex Brosque is a pretty hard one to look past. The Sky Blues all-time leading goal scorer delivered on the biggest stages and this Boxing Day 2015 clash was no exception. A double before the 25th minute from Brosque and a Mickael Tavares penalty just five minutes later would put the Sky Blues in pole position moving into the second half. A late Mariners own goal would see Sydney ending up 4-1 winners. A Christmas delight for Graham Arnold’s Sydney FC side.
4. Brosque “Gorgeous” Hat-trick – 4th January 2019
Sydney FC started 2019 in style against the Central Coast Mariners, coming back from 1-0 down to finish on top in a classic 5-2 win. The Mariners had no answer to Sky Blue Hall of Famer Alex Brosque’s three goals in 15 minutes, including a back heel and a gorgeous chip, while strikes from Adam Le Fondre and Aaron Calver would wrap up a New Year win at Jubilee Stadium.
5. “Barbarouses to win it!” – 29th December 2019
The Sky Blues went into this post-Christmas clash looking to go nine points clear of title challengers Melbourne City, however an early City goal and Rhyan Grant red card had their chances of claiming the points looking slimmer and slimmer. Four minutes after Grant’s dismissal, Sydney FC’s glimmer of hope would come in the form of Adam Le Fondre.
The Englishman brilliantly improvised to swivel and follow up a deflected Milos Ninkovic effort, giving the Sky Blues an air of confidence at the end of the first half. As the clock ticked down it became clear that a moment of magic would be needed to find the breakthrough. Deep in the second half it would be Kiwi striker Kosta Barbarouses to give the Sydney FC fans a belated Christmas gift. His left footed strike sent Jubilee Stadium into hysterics and the Sky Blues home with the three points with a 2-1 scoreline.
Match Details
Sydney FC v Wellington Phoenix
Isuzu UTE A-League Round 10
Friday 29th December 2023
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Kick Off: 7:45pm AEDT
Gates Open: 4:30pm AEDT
Broadcast Live: Paramount+
Tickets: Click Here
Partner: Navarra Venues
