Although Sydney dominated throughout the match, it was Mitchell Duke once again with the captain’s performance as he scored the only game of the match, firing a header from a Daniel Georgievski cross.

Sydney will certainly feel hard done by, but the result is probably the best possible for the rivalry, with Western Sydney finally banishing their tormentors with their second derby win in 16 meetings.

Asensio's Screamer Vs FC Barcelona
Asensio's Screamer Vs FC Barcelona
In one of Real Madrid's most outstanding performances at the Camp Nou, Los Blancos beat FC Barcelona 3-1 in the Spanish Supercup. Real were leading 2-1 after Cristiano Ronaldo's 80th minute goal, but just before the final whistle, we sealed the win with this beautiful Marco Asensio strike.
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Bankwest Stadium was present for a wonderful football match with both teams showing the spirit and fire that A-League fans crave.

Here are three thoughts from Western Sydney’s victory in the Sydney derby…

Western Sydney hold on… just

How Western Sydney managed to hold their lead from the 19th minute might just go down as one of life’s greatest questions. There were VAR checks, unmissable misses and literally millimetres that kept the score at 1-0.

Perhaps Markus Babbel’s luck has finally turned around. No longer must he endure the spectacles of Vedran Janjetovic needlessly conceding corners or another player getting sent off.

Even with the plentiful injuries, Babbel’s team showed grit and spirit to stave off the constant pressure applied by Sydney and offered a threat on the counter.

Western Sydney did struggle to create chances throughout the match. Rarely finding the ball in the box and packing their own defensive third. It did little to help as the champions carved open the defence time and time again, but Daniel Lopar stood tall every time a Sydney striker was in with a chance.

PLUS...

In pics: The Sydney Derby

all the action on and off the field whe Western Sydney Wanderers baptised the new Bankwest Sydney with only their second derby win over Sydney FC in 18 games...

Indeed, the home side’s goal came from a horrendous mistake by Paulo Retre, as he recklessly tried to flick the ball and gave it away straight to Daniel Georgievski instead. The full-back has had a tough time playing on the right side with his weaker foot, but just when he needed it, he was able to deliver a splendid cross which Duke, unsurprisingly given the form he is in at the moment, directed goalwards.

Still, for the Wanderers, there is work to do yet. But nine points from nine against two of last season’s top three is not a bad way to start the season.

They say it is a sign of a Championship side when the team wins while playing badly. Could it be? Surely not…