Brisbane Roar’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League have been extinguished following a 3-0 defeat against Muangthong United on Wednesday night.
Needing a win in Thailand to stay alive heading into next month’s final Group E clash, John Aloisi’s young side put up a brave fight but fell short against the classy home side.
A powerful header by Spanish striker Xisco gave Muangthong a 1-0 lead at the break but Roar threatened an equaliser with Nicholas D’Agostino and Shannon Brady both testing the keeper.
But late goals from Chanathip Songkrasin – nicknamed the Thai Messi – and skipper Teerasil Dangda ended Roar’s hopes of snatching a result.
Compounding the loss was a bad gash on the right arm of keeper Jamie Young which forced him off in the first half after he collided with the goalpost.
With fellow gloveman Michael Theo also out through injury, Aloisi will be sweating on Young’s fitness ahead of Sunday’s Hyundai A-League semi-final against Melbourne Victory.
Roar’s final match of the group stage is back at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday, May 10 when they take on former attacker Dimitri Petratos’ Ulsan.
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GOALS
1-0 Muangthong United: Xisco 37’
A wicked cross from the right by fullback Tristan Do was perfectly weighted, with Xisco’s downward header hitting the post and getting in past the despairing Jamie Young.
2-0 Muangthong United: Chanathip Songkrasin 83’
Receiving the ball 30 metres from goal, Chanathip turned one defender and then raced clear of another before rounding keeper Bilic and dribbling into the empty net.
3-0 Muangthong United: Teerasil Dangda 89’
Perapat Notechaiya’s pacy run down the left ended with an excellent ball across the face of goal, with Dangda sliding in at the back post to touch it in.
INJURY WARD
Roar goalkeeper Jamie Young was forced off with a nasty gash on his arm after colliding with a hook on the back of the goalpost as Muangthong scored the opening goal. He was replaced by youngster Tomislav Bilic.
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