Juan Mata stuns Melbourne City with brace as Fernandes applauds

Juan Mata rolled back the years with a brace for Melbourne Victory in a 3-1 derby win over Melbourne City, drawing praise from Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.

Mata, who joined the Victory in September after leaving the Western Sydney Wanderers, opened the scoring on 20 minutes after stealing possession near the centre circle and looping an audacious long-range effort over the goalkeeper. He then made it 2-1 in the second half with a powerful strike from the edge of the box and later supplied the assist for Victory's third.

Before the match he had been named Shark Player of the Month for January after a fan vote, following a run of five assists in five games.

Fernandes posted the goal on Instagram Stories with the message: "Juan Mata, what a player!" Mata said afterwards: "It's been a very enjoyable night." He added: "We are very happy and very proud" and that "the more I play, the better I feel."

Australia, Melbourne

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