Victory and Wanderers Share the Spoils in an Epic Draw

Melbourne Victory 4–4 Western Sydney Wanderers

January 5, 2025 – Home of the Matildas

Photo Credits: Josh Chadwick/Getty Images

Melbourne Victory and Western Sydney Wanderers delivered a breathtaking encounter at

the Home of the Matildas on Sunday night, finishing 4-4 in one of the most dramatic games

of the Ninja A-League Women season. A late Wanderers comeback denied Victory the

chance to climb to second on the ladder, while the visitors earned a hard-fought point that

showcased their resilience.

The Wanderers wasted no time making an impact, with Sophie Harding pouncing on a

defensive error from the Victory just four minutes into the match. Harding showed her

composure to slot the ball past Courtney Newbon, giving the visitors an early lead. Victory,

determined to respond, controlled much of the first half but struggled to break down a

disciplined Wanderers defence led by Sham Khamis. Alana Jancevski and Nickoletta Flannery had chances, but the equaliser came right on the stroke of halftime. Alex Chidiac delivered a precise corner, and Bunge made a powerful header to level the score at 1-1, setting the stage for an electrifying second half.

Victory carried their momentum into the second half, taking the lead in the 51st minute

through Ellie Wilson. The defender unleashed a curling strike from outside the box that

soared into the top corner, putting the home side ahead 2-1. However, the Wanderers

responded almost immediately. Sienna Saveska produced a stunning equalizer, bending a

long-range effort past Newbon to make it 2-2 just minutes later. Victory turned to Matildas

forward Emily Gielnik for inspiration, and her impact was immediate. Gielnik’s dangerous

cross forced an own goal from Wanderers defender Gemma Ferris, giving Victory a 3-2

advantage. With Victory pushing for a decisive goal, they appeared to have sealed the

match in the 87th minute. Alana Murphy’s thunderous long-range shot struck the crossbar,

and Chidiac was on hand to slot home the rebound, extending the lead to 4-2.

Despite trailing by two goals with just minutes remaining, the Wanderers refused to give up.

Substitute Talia Kapetanellis reignited hope in the 89th minute, converting a low cross to

bring the visitors within one goal. In the dying moments of stoppage time, Harding stepped

up again, capitalizing on a defensive miscue to score her second goal of the night. Her calm

finish ensured the Wanderers salvaged a dramatic 4-4 draw.

Victory will quickly refocus as they travel to face Brisbane Roar on January 8, while the

Wanderers, buoyed by their late heroics, will aim to build on this momentum in their next

outing. This thrilling draw was a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of the Ninja

A-League Women, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the battles ahead.