A classy brace from Bruno Fornaroli has helped Melbourne City to a thrilling 2-1 win over Adelaide United at AAMI Park on Friday night.
City surged out of the blocks and took a deserved lead after just 10 minutes with Fornaroli netting a cracking strike after some sloppy Reds defending.
Adelaide struggled to cope with City’s high press for long periods but were unfortunate not to grab an equaliser with winger Ryan Kitto striking the woodwork twice in the first half.
City appeared to have sealed the win after Fornaroli netted his second from the spot less than 10 minutes into the second half.
Sergi Guardiola netted his maiden A-League goal midway through the second half to give the Reds some hope but it wasn’t enough as City held on for the three points.
Adelaide have now lost three consecutive A-League matches and have accrued just the solitary point, while City jump into second spot behind Sydney FC.
GOALS
1-0 City: Bruno Fornaroli, 11’
The Reds conceded possession inside their own half with Fernando Brandan pouncing on the loose ball before feeding Bruno Fornaroli on the edge of the box. The Argentine took a touch before curling a stunning strike into the top corner past the helpless Eugene Galekovic.
2-0 City: Bruno Fornaroli, 56’
City were awarded a penalty after Reds striker Sergi Guardiola was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box. Fornaroli stepped up to the spot and cheekily slotted a ‘panenka’ down the middle of the goal with Galekovic left stranded.
2-1 Adelaide: Sergi Guardiola 64’
Reds fullback Ben Garuccio showed great pace down the left flank before delivering a superb cross which Guardiola buried with his head from point-blank range.
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KEY MOMENT
After being second best for most of the first half, Adelaide should have gone into the break on level terms with Ryan Kitto spurning a glorious opportunity in stoppage time.
Spanish midfielder Isaias whipped in a dangerous free kick into the area with an unmarked Kitto smacking a point-blank header into the crossbar.
OPTA DATA
– Bruno Fornaroli’s brace took his A-League tally to 29 goals in just 33 Hyundai A-League appearances.
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