Western Sydney v Melbourne Victory: five things we learned from epic A-League clash

THE returning RBB were treated to an epic encounter at Pirtek Stadium as the Wanderers and Victory put on a show for all football fans. FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED!

Wanderers supporters from the Red and Black Bloc are seen during the round 10 A-League match between the Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne Victory at Pirtek Stadium in Sydney, on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

THE returning RBB were treated to an epic encounter at Pirtek Stadium as the Wanderers and Victory put on a show for all football fans. FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED!

1. FOOTBALL IS BETTER WITH THE FANS

The RBB showed everyone just what was missing over the last two weeks as they returned to take their place in the terraces at Pirtek Stadium. The atmosphere was loud and electric with no danger in sight for those eyes who may have been searching for it.

Wanderers players celebrate with the Red and Black Bloc. Picture: Mark Evans

2. ROMEO CASTELEN OR KOSTA BARBAROUSES?

Melbourne Victory’s Barbarouses is already established as one of the best wingers in the A-League, but the Wanderers’ Castelen showed he is right up there. The Dutch winger had his best game of the season and thoroughly deserved his first goal of the campaign.

3. ALBERTO AT THE HEART OF DEFENCE

The Wanderers have been a joy to watch in attack this season, but it’s thanks to their impeccable work at the back that their creative players have gone forward with such confidence. Alberto has been at the heart of the Wanderers’ defence and the Spaniard has to be one of the best centre backs in the league.

4. BRAGGING RIGHTS TO MARK BRIDGE

Romeo Castelen was sizzling form against the Victory.

Bridge just loves scoring against his old school Danny Vukovic. In 24 games the two have played against each other, Bridge now has eight goals. He said before the game another goal would give him bragging rights, and Vukovic might be hearing about it for a while.

5. GAME OF THE SEASON

Was this really an A-League match? It was billed as the game of the season and it certainly didn’t disappoint. The football was so beautifully breathless that neither side really deserved to lose. On this form, the Wanderers and Melbourne Victory are the best two teams in the A-League. Here’s to more games like it.

Originally published as Western Sydney v Melbourne Victory: five things we learned from epic A-League clash