Besart Berisha reaffirmed his fierce desire to be Melbourne Victory’s leading man after the talismanic striker’s 89th-minute wonder goal capped a come-from-behind 2-1 Elimination Final win over Adelaide United.
With scores locked and extra-time beckoning at AAMI Park, Berisha hooked an incredible overhead past Paul Izzo to snatch a result that sets up a mouth-watering Semi Final clash away to Sydney FC next Saturday.
REPORT: Berisha’s last-minute stunner sinks Adelaide as Victory book Semi Final berth
Lerory George had earlier cancelled out Nikola Mileusnic’s shock opener, setting the stage for the Finals Series specialist to steal the headlines yet again.
“I’m very happy. This is why Victory brought me here,” Berisha told Fox Sports.
“I want to be there for the team and the club and make sure I score the goals, especially in the tough moments.
“I love these kinds of games. I’m not afraid of them. This is why I play the game.
“I take nothing granted. If I have the chance to play a final I do everything to win.”
Berisha’s decisive strike came courtesy of an intelligent Kosta Barbarouses cross, the winger mirroring his delivery for George’s 63rd-minute equaliser.
Victory boss Kevin Muscat was quick to praise the New Zealand international for helping to swing the do-or-die encounter back in the hosts’ favour.
“We wanted to get the ball out wide and the delivery was superb from Kosta,” Muscat said.
“Both the boys [George and Berisha] got rewarded for being in the box where you can get goals like that.”
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BESART BERISHA, THIS IS INSANE!!! ???
?: @FOXFootball #MVCvADL #ALeagueFinals pic.twitter.com/bsXbjkeJw7
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) April 22, 2018
