Douglas Costa and Juan Mata

Douglas Costa [L] and Juan Mata [R]. Photo: Douglas Costa, supplied by Sydney FC, and Juan Mata, Photo Credit: Poletti/Round Ball Australia

A new era of the glorified Sydney Derby is primed as the popcorn fixture for round one, and two marquee signings are fully aware of what to expect on Saturday night.

Days after the Sky Blues announced an eye-opening statement of intent with the acquisition of former Juventus and Bayern Munich winger Douglas Costa, the Wanderers poached World Cup and Champions League winner Juan Mata to respond instantly.

The proof will be in the pudding come game day, but the high-profile marquees are eager to contribute towards success both at their clubs and enhance the product of Australian football.

To achieve this, they will first have to earn the trust of the supporters and showcase their level of commitment and dedication in the first derby instalment of 2024/25 this weekend.

“I feel really good,” Costa said.

“I know there’s a lot of expectation in these kinds of games, but I’m happy to play in my first derby. [My teammates and I] are working hard.”

Ufuk Talay’s men put to bed any uncertainties concerning early chemistry issues, winning their opening two Asian Champions League 2 games by a combined 9-1 scoreline helped by a dynamic front four of Costa, Joe Lolley, Patryk Klimala and Anas Ouahim.

Despite positive signs, Costa does not see those previous wins as an advantage heading into the contest given the Wanderers’ Australia Cup quarter-final exit.

“I don’t think so because they [the Wanderers] have had a long time to train, so it’s going to be a tough game for both [teams], but we go in with a lot of confidence and I hope we can win this game,” the Brazilian said.

“We’re going to push forward and give 100 per cent when we step on the field.”

Having only arrived in New South Wales over a month ago, Costa is still familiarising himself with the city and what it means to be part of such an enthralling and epic Sydney Derby, which is why he is drawing on valuable experiences abroad.

“It’s hard to understand [the meaning of the Sydney Derby] but you can see the atmosphere changing when you [mention] a derby,” he said. “Not only here, if you go to Brazil, Germany or anywhere – a derby is a derby and of course, I want to win.

“Wherever I go, the first thing on my mind is trying to get titles and here is no different, so I’m going to fight for that.”

Joining Costa as the main marquee signing for the A-Leagues 20th season, Mata is a player who possesses creativity, high football intellect and pure talent that will add another storyline to a storied script.

The 35-year-old has not featured in a competitive match since appearing in a 10-minute cameo for Japan’s Vissel Kobe in September last year, but the star name is fit and firing to commence a new challenge.

“I’m looking forward to the game,” said Mata.

“I keep listening to everyone talking about the great atmosphere that our fans create here, especially in derby games, so hopefully we have a great game of football and win three points.

“I think everyone [at] the club, the coaches, the players we are dreaming of winning trophies.

“We have a good squad, a very well-balanced squad [both in] offence and defence, we have the experience in the coach [and] we have a mix older and younger players. I’m excited.”

Once upon a time, Alessandro Del Piero and Shinji Ono were the duo on advertising boards and promotional videos ahead of the Sydney Derby – blessed with a certain aura.

Now, Wanderers and Sydney FC fans have fallen in love with their own respective glamour names. However, Mata is viewing the bigger picture.

“It’s nice to feel the appreciation and the love from Australian people since I arrived, but my aim is that they will appreciate me also for what I can bring to the country, my team and the league,” he said.

“I’ve heard many times and watched videos of Del Piero and Ono, but this is a game between Wanderers and Sydney FC, not between Douglas and me. But I think we are both very happy to be here, so we’ll try to do our best.”

Arguably eclipsing the Melbourne Derby as the biggest fixture in Australian football, the colour and noise created by the RBB and The Cove is an element Mata is aware of.

“I’m expecting a full stadium and a great atmosphere,” said Mata.

“I’ve watched many videos from past [Sydney] Derbies and it looks fantastic, so with our fans, they are going to be behind the goal and I am expecting this derby to be up there with the big derbies I have lived in my career.”

From the Manchester Derby to The Intercontinental Derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce in Turkey, Mata understands the mentality required during such hostile fixtures.

He provided some helpful tips for his teammates ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster.

“Tactics are important of course and the way you prepare the game,” Mata explained.

“I also think in the first minutes you need to be very careful, there’s going to be a lot of emotion, you need to be careful with your aggression… it’s a very passionate game for both teams, so we need to be mature enough to handle all the emotions.”

Since its inception in 2012, the Red and Black portion of Sydney has been a breath of fresh air, reigniting the passion in the Western Sydney region in a football-loving area.

Instantly, the Spanish star has been struck by the Wanderers’ amazing culture.

“Well, I’ve done my research on the fans, the club, the history of the club,” he said.

“I know where we are in this part of Sydney. I know [they are] hard-working people with a lot of [passion] supporting the club. I know the victories in Asia [2014 Asian Champions League].

“Fans want to see a team who gives everything on the pitch, that plays attacking football but is also connected with our community and our fans. I’m proud to be at the Wanderers.”

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