Melbourne City stormed into the Westfield FFA Cup semi-finals with a 4-1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers at AAMI Park, as Tim Cahill opened his account.
Michael Jakobsen, Bruno Fornaroli, Cahill and Fernando Brandan scored the goals for City as they cruised past Western Sydney, who had captain Nikolai Topor-Stanley sent off just before half-time.
While the majority of the 5,401 fans were on hand to see Cahill's first home game for City, it was another recruit - Danish defender Jakobsen - who hogged the early spotlight as he opened the scoring with a stunning bicycle kick on debut.
Cahill lined up in behind striker Bruno Fornaroli in their first start together and the marquee duo looked lively, as they combined for City's next two goals.
The Uruguayan tapped in Cahill's cut-back in the 32nd minute, while 12 minutes later, the Socceroos striker released Fornaroli through on goal with a back-heel.
Topor-Stanley pushed Fornaroli over in the box and was shown a red card, before Cahill slammed the spot-kick into the roof of the net to notch his first senior club goal in Australia.
Up against an undermanned opponent, City continued to dominate in the second half, with Fornaroli hitting the woodwork twice.
The second occasion saw Fornaroli head Nicolas Colazo's cross onto the post, with Brandan on hand to tap in City's fourth goal, and although Dimas pulled a goal back with 17 minutes remaining, the Wanderers were never in the contest.
Melbourne City 4
Jakobsen (2') Fornaroli (32') Cahill (45') Brandan (65')
Western Sydney Wanderers 1
Dimas (73')
