10 men, one famous Croatian derby win and a 39-year-old who bleeds Canberra Croatia

It was a famous night in the nation’s capital as 10-man Canberra Croatia upstaged NPL NSW champions Sydney United 2-1 in the Australian Championship.

Friday night was not an ordinary meeting, it was a celebration of two proud Croatian clubs at Deakin Stadium, where 39-year-old Canberra Croatia icon Mat Grbesa was at the heart of another special night for the Capital Football giants.

Joshua Gaspari set the tone with a stunning long-range strike in the fifth minute, before Sydney United's Farah Koko restored parity with a clever chipped finish on the stroke of half-time.

But Canberra weren't finished.

Daniel Colbertaldo restored the hosts' advantage in the 59th minute, finishing a swift counterattack after Sydney United had seen a penalty appeal waved away moments earlier.

Then came the drama. Canberra substitute Diego De Oliveira was sent off in the 78th minute following a heavy challenge, leaving Dean Ugrinic's side to defend their slender lead with 10 men.

Enter Finn Jurak. The Canberra goalkeeper had already been called into action early in the contest, but saved his best for the closing stages.

Jurak produced a crucial stop to preserve Canberra's lead before making two more outstanding saves in quick succession during stoppage time as Sydney United desperately searched for an equaliser.

Four important interventions across the contest, including three during a frantic finale, helped Canberra secure a famous victory against the NSW champions.

And few would have savoured the occasion more than Grbesa.

At 39, the Canberra Croatia captain remains a beloved figure at the club he first represented as a junior.

Apart from a couple of spells elsewhere, Grbesa has spent his footballing life wearing Canberra Croatia's colours, becoming synonymous with the club and everything it represents.

“Nothing better than playing for Canberra Croatia,” Grbesa said before the match.

His influence extends far beyond his performances.

“He just lives and breathes the game. He's a leader, a great communicator and he drives excellence,” head coach Ugrinic said.

Against Sydney United, those qualities were on display as Canberra stood firm against one of Australian state-league football's most decorated clubs.

And his reaction after the final whistle summed it all up.

Two proud Croatian institutions, a national stage, a dramatic finish and for Grbesa, another unforgettable chapter in a lifetime devoted to Canberra Croatia.