Melbourne City Head Coach Aurelio Vidmar says his side are ready to create history on Tuesday night as they bid to reach the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League Elite.
City are in Thailand ahead of their crucial Round of 16 second leg against reigning Thai Champions Buriram United.
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Vidmar’s side salvaged a 1-1 draw in the first leg at AAMI Park thanks to a dramatic late goal from forward Ben Mazzeo, who headed home Marcus Younis’ cross to ensure City are on level terms ahead of tonight’s second leg.
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“I think the game is evenly balanced,” said Vidmar when speaking at his pre-match press conference.
“It was a very good game last week, and I think again, it’ll be obviously a difficult game for us but I think we’ve prepared well, and we’re ready for the challenge.”
Should Melbourne City manage to overcome Buriram at Chang Arena on Tuesday Aurelio Vidmar’s side will become the first Australian team to reach the quarter-finals of the ACL Elite since the Western Sydney Wanderers in 2014.
“It’ll be a massive achievement. I think it already is,” said Vidmar.
“When you consider the budget of our club compared to the other teams, the teams that we’ve beaten on the way to the round of 16, it’s already been a marvellous achievement.
“But, you know, we’re very close now to try to get into the quarter finals. We’re 90 minutes away, potentially a little bit more if it goes into extra time.
“We’re close to taking another step. I think everyone believes that we can. The conditions are very different to what we have been used to over the last three or four weeks back at home. And as I said, we’re prepared, and we’re ready to fight our way through.”
City face a Buriram side coached by A-Leagues Champion and former Central Coast Mariners boss Mark Jackson and his team are unbeaten in their last six home games in the ACL Elite having won four and drawn two.
However City will take confidence from the fact they’re unbeaten in their two clashes against the Thai giants this season having beaten them 2-1 in the league phase of the ACL Elite before then drawing 1-1 last week.
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A win for Buriram will see them reach the quarter-finals of the ACL Elite in back-to-back season.
But whilst Jackson’s men will have home advantage, City will be buoyed by the fact they have lost just ONE of their 13 games on their travels in the ACL Elite (W7 D5).
AFC Champions League Elite: Round of 16 – Second Leg
Buriram United v Melbourne City FC
Tuesday 10 March, 11:15pm KO (AEDT)
Buriram Stadium
Watch live on Paramount+
