Defending champions Melbourne Victory claimed a 2-1 win over Sydney FC to take an edge after the first leg of their Australian A-League major semi-final on Thursday.
Melbourne led 2-0 after goals from striker Nik Mrdja and Costa Rican playmaker Carlos Hernandez, but Sydney pulled one back just before halftime through a deflected own goal from skipper Kevin Muscat off a volley from John Aloisi.
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But there was some drama with short-term signing Mrdja sent off in the 73rd minute for an apparent elbow to the face of Sydney defender Shannon Cole.
Melbourne will likely go into the March 6 second leg in Sydney without Mrdja, as well as injured fellow striker Robbie Kruse, although they are hoping Socceroo frontman Archie Thompson will be back from a foot injury.
Melbourne, who lost 2-0 away to Sydney in last weekend's final regulation round, were a stronger combination on Thursday with the return from suspension of combative captain Muscat.
