Juan Mata steals the spotlight in Melbourne derby
Former Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has hit headlines over the weekend for his incredible one-man show in the Melbourne derby.
The 37-year-old – who made 285 appearances for the Reds during his eight-year stay – signed for Melbourne Victory in the summer and made his impact felt in style in a recent game against rivals, Melbourne City.
He netted two incredible goals to put his side ahead twice in the game and then, if that were not enough, laid on an inch-perfect pass for Clarismario Rodrigus to put the game beyond doubt.
It's not news to anyone connected with United that the Spaniard has a performance like that in the locker, but the nature of the goals has seen him capture plenty of attention online.
Mata opened the scoring in the 21st minute, with what was arguably the goal of the game.
Victory caught City napping at the back, with a loose ball rolling into the path of the former Spain international just outside the centre circle.
OH MY WORD! JUAN MATA SCORES A SCREAMER FROM LONG RANGE 🚀🤯
— Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) February 21, 2026
The Spaniard chips the goalkeeper from miles out in the Melbourne Derby. Unbelievable 👑
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Recognising goalkeeper Patrick Beach was off his line, Mata smashed the ball towards goal first time with perfect lift, ensuring the gloveman could only watch it sail over his head and into the back of the net.
It looked like that spectacular long-range effort may have been cancelled out when Max Caputo equalised just over 10 minutes later, but Juan had other ideas.
The game remained level beyond the hour mark, at which point the former Red decided it was time for him to grab the game by the scruff of the neck, again.
This time, receiving the ball on the edge of the area, he sent two City defenders stumbling over each other as they attempted to stop the dangerman at source.
JUAN MATA DELIVERS AGAIN! 🚀🔵 Is there anything this man can't do?!
— Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) February 21, 2026
The World Cup winner is lighting up the Melbourne Derby and look at what it means 🥹
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Their efforts would be in vain as the midfielder effortlessly let fly between the pair, with a powerful shot that nestled neatly into the left side of the goal.
As the away end erupted, Mata hopped the advertising hoardings to celebrate with his latest cohort of fans.
"Old Trafford to Down Under – Mata, you're magic," a sign in the crowd read, a statement that now needed no further justification.
All The Goals: Juan Mata
ALL THE GOALS | Juan Mata scored 51 times for United, during eight seasons as a Red...
But the Spanish magician would throw a little extra evidence into the pot anyway, just for good measure.
This time, with the referee's final whistle fast approaching, he led a counter-attack charge from the edge of his own box, picking out Rodrigus with a beautifully weighted lob once he'd reached the middle of the pitch.
ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?! 😮💨 Juan Mata could not have delivered a better pass if he tried.
— Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) February 21, 2026
Santos finishes it off with a brilliant curling effort.
This is champagne football at its finest 🍾
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The Brazilian forward didn't need to break his stride as he ran onto the pass, cutting in on his right foot to curl in the third, sealing Victory's win against their rivals, and solidifying their place inside the A-League's top six.
"Special player," Bruno Fernandes wrote on Instagram as he watched on from home. "I've seen this goal before @brunofernandes8," former United goalkeeper David de Gea posted on his own story, referencing the first wonder strike.
Mata turns 38 in April, but you wouldn't believe it on this showing. Keep smashing it, Juan!