Sydney FC's unbeaten run in the A-League came to a crashing halt against their oldest rivals after Melbourne Victory, who staged a commanding comeback in the grand final rematch.
A game that carried so much promise for Sydney FC ended in disappointment after the Sky Blues were emphatically beaten on the scoreboard in a match they dominated.
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Victory beat Sydney FC in thrilling encounter
Watch all the goals here from Melbourne Victory's stunning 4-2 win over Sydney F.C.
At times it was cruel, other moments were simply painful but most importantly it was a harsh lesson that for all Sydney FC's style and improvements, they are still one rung below Melbourne Victory.
The A-League champions  struck four goals away from home in the Big Blue to extend their reign over their fiercest rivals. Two deflections, a contentious refereeing decision and a counter-attack brought about the undoing of the hosts who led twice - but for only a total of 12 minutes.
If there was any solace for Sydney, it was in quashing suggestions of being the bores of the A-League, dishing a response to their detractors with their most dynamic and entertaining performance of the season.
Six goals and countless heated clashes made this the game the A-League desperately needed. A competition enduring a stale start was given a shot of life with a rivalry felt the most by the players.
It appeared to be a night to saviour for Sydney FC immediately after kick-off when the hosts struck instantly.
In just his first start of the season, 18-year-old Alex Gersbach darted between two Melbourne Victory players, dribbling through fullback Daniel Giorgievski before making  a perfectly weighted pass to Filip Holosko. The Slovak international applied a simple finish.
Fifteen goals marked the four fixtures of the Big Blue last season and another goal glut was on the cards again when Besart Berisha drew Melbourne Victory level with a powerful long-range strike minutes later. A deflection helped deceive Sydney FC goalkeeper Vedran Janjetovic and despite confusion following the linesman flagging for a possible infringement, Sydney's lead was suddenly dashed.
However, less than a minute later Sydney FC had their lead back. Skipper Alex Brosque played a superb ball through to Shane Smeltz for a one-on-one with Danny Vukovic, who thwarted the shot only as far as the oncoming Brosque. Much like their first, a tap-in inflicted a painful blow upon the A-League champions.
Again though, Melbourne hit-back immediately. Victory's fullback Daniel Giorgievski appeared to have committed a possible handball before sliding a clever ball through to Gui Finkler but without significant complaint from Sydney FC, Chris Beath waved play-on.
The hosts were to rue that when the Brazilian midfielder unleashed an early contender for goal of the season. From a position more warranting of a cross, Finkler fired a spectacular shot from an acute range to beat Janjetovic at his near post.
With Smeltz constantly taunting his markers, the Sky Blues threatened but were frustrated with a number of fouls. Ninkovic was more aggrieved after being bundled inside the box by Daniel Giorgievski, only for play to continue.
Smeltz again rattled the nerves of Victory fans as well as the upright with a diving header before Matt Jurman's follow-up tested the durability of the opposite post. The New Zealand forward was left frustrated when another penalty claim was turned down with replays supporting  the referee.
It was to be a cruel night for a Sydney side aiming to end their five-game winless streak over thier rivals. A deflected shot fell into the path of Victory winger Kosta Barbarouses who couldn't believe his luck in being played in front of goal. Mercilessly, he slotted the ball to inflict the third, somewhat fortuitous, goal for the champions.
If there was any luck about that, there was nothing but class with the fourth as Berisha completed the emphatic win with a superb solo goal on the stroke of full time.
It wasn't his final contribution, a stinging high kick across the face of defender Matt Jurman completed the bullying session for the champions.
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