Melbourne Victory are through to a record fifth grand final after Besart Berisha broke Brisbane Roar hearts in a 1-0 win at AAMI Park on Sunday.
The former Roar favourite headed the only goal in the 70th minute of a tense semi final, booking Victory’s third Grand Final meeting with Big Blue rivals Sydney FC.
Victory were liveliest in the opening 25 minutes and should have taken the lead through either Besart Berisha or Leigh Broxham, but heavy touches allowed the brave Jamie Young to smother both chances.
Brisbane evened out the contest until the hour when Young was needed for another pair of fine saves in quick succession.
The visitors’ resistance finally broke with 20 minutes to play as their former hero ghosted between two markers and met Fahid Ben Khalfallah’s beautifully flighted cross.
Berisha’s 101st Hyundai A-League goal confirmed a second decider in three seasons against the Sky Blues, to be contested at Allianz Stadium in Sydney next Sunday.
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GOAL
1-0 Victory: Berisha, 70’
Besart Berisha found space between defender and fullback to clinically head in Ben Khalfallah’s exceptional curling cross.
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