Just two days before Christmas, the Bulls snatched an early present from Melbourne City, walking away from AAMI Park with a hard-earned point on the road.
Backing up quickly after Friday night’s win over Brisbane Roar, the Bulls had something to prove. They stuck to their tried and true approach, sitting deep, absorbing pressure and waiting patiently for the right moment to strike. The match also marked Callum Talbot’s 100th A-League appearance, with the defender eager to impress against his former club.
City’s defence proved difficult to break down, but the Bulls remained composed and persistent. Harry Politidis was at the heart of the attacking threat, finding creative ways to unlock City’s back line and create opportunities.
An early setback came when Ji Dongwon was forced off through injury, with Harrison Sawyer entering the match from the bench.
Shortly after the change, City broke the deadlock through Aziz Behich. The goal only fuelled the Bulls’ determination, and just ten minutes later they found an equaliser. Politidis once again played the key role, delivering a perfectly weighted ball for Rafael Durán, who made no mistake in finishing.
The Bulls continued to push until the break, heading into the sheds level at 1–1.
The second half saw a more assertive Bulls side, hungry to steal all three points. Sawyer came close on several occasions but was unable to find the decisive touch.
At the other end, Damien Da Silva and Filip Kurto stood firm, forming a resolute partnership that denied City time and time again. Despite a late push for a winner, the Bulls could not break the deadlock and the match finished in a 1–1 draw.
A point apiece in Melbourne, as the Bulls shared the spoils with City.
