In any other season, Melbourne Victory’s remarkable 14-match unbeaten streak in the Ninja A-League would be the standout story of the competition.
However, Melbourne City has stretched their unbeaten run to 24 games, leading them to secure the Premiership and a spot in the Semi-Finals.
With their local rivals breaking the league’s all-time record for an undefeated streak—an unprecedented feat in the competition—Victory has been somewhat overlooked, achieving their best series of results in club history.
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FIXTURES CONFIRMED: Ninja A-League Semi-Final second leg is set
Victory extended their unbeaten streak to 14 with a 3-1 victory over Adelaide United in the first leg of the Semi-Finals. Coming back to Melbourne with a strong grip on their Semi-Final tie, a draw against Adelaide would elevate their streak to 15 matches and potentially pave the way for a title showdown with City.
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City faces a tougher route to the Grand Final following a 2-2 draw with Central Coast Mariners in the first leg of their Semi-Final. If both teams manage to advance and set up a Melbourne Derby for the decider, it will showcase two of the most formidable squads in the league’s history. But first, Victory must exercise caution against the Reds, who, according to the Dub Zone panel this week, are eager for what would be “the biggest win in the club’s history” against Victory on the road.
“Melbourne Victory, 14 games unbeaten,” stated A-Leagues commentator Teo Pellizzeri on Dub Zone.
“Their club record for an undefeated run now pales in comparison. Melbourne City has overshadowed what would normally be hailed as an extraordinary streak in this competition.”
“It’s been eclipsed,” replied Sydney FC icon Teresa Polias. “In any other season, they’d be the Premiers, wouldn’t they? It’s an incredible achievement that highlights their strong mentality.
“At this stage of the season, they’re just focused on their tasks… nothing seems to faze them.”
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Victory’s 3-1 win over Adelaide in the Semifinal leg one positioned Coach Hopkins’ team favourably for a Grand Final spot. However, they must remain alert to the Reds’ potential for a comeback, especially given the attacking prowess of Erin Healy, Fiona Worts, and Chelsie Dawber, who have been instrumental throughout the 2024-25 season.
Worts and Healy started the match, with Healy scoring a first-half equaliser. Unfortunately, her substitution in the 73rd minute came just before two goals from Victory defender Claudia Bunge, allowing Victory to leave Coopers Stadium with a 3-1 lead in the tie.
FIXTURES CONFIRMED: Ninja A-League Semi-Final second leg is set
Evaluating Adelaide’s performance in the first leg, Polias pinpointed Healy’s substitution as a critical moment and speculated whether Reds coach Adrian Stenta needs to ensure his star American player remains on the pitch for the entire second leg to best bolster their chance of overcoming the two-goal deficit.
“They need her on the pitch for the full 90 minutes—keep her out there,” Polias commented.
“Things seemed to unravel a bit, not just tactically but perhaps mentally. Those corners revealed their vulnerabilities.”
“It was a monumental stage performance,” Pellizzeri added. “It wasn’t simply the number of times she took possession, whether in defence or midfield, but how she controlled the tempo of the game for Adelaide.
“Yes, her goal was a simple finish, but her overall contribution throughout the match was what truly stood out.”
Polias agreed: “Despite the talent surrounding her—Worts, (Emilyy) Condon, (Dylan) Holmes, Dawber—she enhances their performance. She effectively brings them into the game and allows them to shine.”
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Adelaide have crowned Victory in Melbourne only once in their club’s history, and that occurred back in 2015.
If they hope to secure a result that’s been ten years in the making, overturn their two-goal deficit, and secure a Grand Final spot, Pellizzeri believes it would definitely go down as the best win in the club’s 17-year existence.
“We’ve been urging Adelaide to forge their own destiny, to make their own history,” Pellizzeri remarked.
“If they manage to pull it off, it will unquestionably be the greatest triumph in their club’s history. Even if they simply achieve a two-goal lead to force extra time or penalties, it will be a monumental victory.”
“And it’s within reach,” replied Polias. “Two goals—it’s entirely achievable. They have the capability to score.”
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How to watch?
Throughout the Ninja A-League 2025 Finals Series, matches will be broadcast live across Network 10, 10 Play, and Paramount+. Check below for the broadcast specifics for next weekend’s second leg of the Semi-Finals.
For New Zealand fans, each match of the Ninja A-League Finals Series can be watched live on Sky Sport, streamed via Sky Sport Now.
To find out more about the A-Leagues, visit www.aleagues.com.au.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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