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Melbourne Victory
A-League Finals | Semi-Finals
May 8, 2015 at 10.30am UK
 
Melbourne City

3-0

Berisha (18'), Barbarouses (30'), Thompson (87')
FT(HT: 2-0)

Melbourne Victory ease past Melbourne City

Melbourne Victory ease through to the A-League Grand Final with a 3-0 victory over local rivals Melbourne City.

Melbourne Victory have recorded a comfortable 3-0 win over Melbourne City to book their place in the A-League Grand Final.

Despite finishing 18 points behind their rivals in the A-League table, it was City who created the first chance on goal when Harry Novillo fired wide, but seven minutes later, they would fall behind.

Besart Berisha of the Victory celebrates after scoring a goal during the A-League semi final match between Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City at Etihad Stadium on May 8, 2015© Getty Images

Leigh Broxham was played in down the right-hand side of the penalty area before he delivered the cross for Besart Berisha to apply the finishing touches into the top corner from six yards.

Victory's opener didn't discourage City and they soon tested Lawrence Thomas, but Aaron Mooy's free kick was well kept out by the goalkeeper.

However, on the half-hour mark, Victory doubled their advantage through Kosta Barbarouses, who volleyed the ball into the top corner from 14 yards after being found by Fahid Ben Khalfallah.

After the break, Victory pushed for a third with Barbarouses forcing Tando Velaphi into the save with a shot from the right-hand side, before City almost halved the deficit when Novillo saw a free kick tipped over by Thomas.

City struggled to make an impact in the closing stages and three minutes from time, Victory sealed the win in style when Archie Thompson tapped home from close range after Velaphi had made a sprawling save to deny Berisha.

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Darren Plant
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Melbourne Victory players celebrate after winning the premiers plate during the round 27 A-League match between the Melbourne Victory and Central Coast Mariners at AAMI Park on April 26, 2015
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