To say Kosta Barbarouses walked off AAMI Park a villain would be an understatement.
He didn’t just walk off the villain – he embraced it. If anything he walked into it; strutting towards an active bay filled to the brink of fans – who responded by throwing bottles onto the ground – after converting the match-winning goal.
The Kiwi has now scored in all four of his appearances against the Victory since making the switch at the end of the 2018/19 season. His goal capped off another routine win for the Sky Blues – giving the side some breathing room after Bobo tapped in the opener just before the break.
Sitting comfortably on a two-goal lead, the Sky Blues were awarded a penalty after a hold in the box was picked up by the VAR and ultimately converted by the German midfielder.
The win sees Sydney move five points clear inside the top six ahead of next week’s six-pointers against Perth Glory and Melbourne City.
At the other end, the affair was a familiar tale for the navy side of the Big Blue – who suffered its sixth straight loss to Sydney FC.
A solid start quickly fell away as Elvis Kamsoba was given his marching orders after he was issued a second booking following a trip on Paulo Retre. The former Avondale forward was left visibly confused as he walked off, with his first yellow card – given for a high-boot – raising eyebrows.
The sending off perfectly foreshadowed the disaster ahead, as the home side – aside from an emphatic Adama Traore attempt which struck the post – failed to create any opportunities on the night.
The club is hopeful Rudy Gestede and Leigh Broxham will return for next week’s cellar-dweller clash with Newcastle.
MELBOURNE VICTORY 0
SYDNEY FC 3 (Bobo 42’, Barbarouses 50’, Baumjohann 84’)
Red Card: Elvis Kamsoba 32’
