Western Sydney Wanderers opened their Isuzu UTE A-League campaign with a 1-1 draw against reigning champions Melbourne City at CommBank Stadium.
From the first minute, the Wanderers looked to assert themselves. Brandon Borrello struck from outside the box, narrowly missing an early lead, and followed it up with another effort in the ninth minute that was blocked.
The breakthrough came in the 11th minute when Kosta Barbarouses scored his first league goal in Red & Black, though Max Caputo equalised for City just two minutes later.
The first half remained lively, with both sides creating chances. City’s keeper Patrick Beach denied Borrello one-on-one in the 42nd minute, and moments later Steven Ugarkovic produced a powerful half-volley that was blocked.
Gersbach’s curling effort and Kraev’s follow-up continued to draw strong saves from City keeper Beach, while Anthony Pantazopolous headed a Kraev free-kick wide just before halftime.
The Wanderers maintained the pressure after the break.
In the 54th minute, Thomas produced another vital save to keep out Takeshi Kanamori. Substitutions added fresh legs, with Barbarouses replaced by Aydan Hammond in the 80th minute, Alou Kuol making his debut, and Gabriel Cleur joining the action.
In the closing stages, Kuol met a looping cross from Hammond, but Beach kept the scores level, before the Wanderers finished the match by bringing on Awan Lual on his A-League Men debut and welcoming back Dylan Scicluna.
The draw extends City’s unbeaten record in Western Sydney, but there were plenty of positives for Alen Stajcic’s squad.
The Wanderers now turn their focus to Round 2, an away clash with reigning Premiers Auckland FC.
