In a thriller that saw a red card, a penalty save, passionate football and a memorable comeback, Melbourne Victory drew 1-1 with Western Sydney Wanderers at Etihad on Monday night.
STORY OF THE GAME
- A 21,000 plus crowd, great surface, two A-League heavyweights: the game didn’t disappoint.
- Red card to Mitch Austin: on 23 minutes the Victory striker picked up a silly second yellow for ‘delaying play’ and he was off.
- Wanderers made them pay, a classy opener to Riera on 32 mins to make it 1-0.
- Just before the break, a penalty to WSW, and after a VAR check, Riera stepped up … but Thomas saved it!
- What a first half! 1-0 to the red and black against a 10-man Big V.
- Thomas again with a clutch save in a 1v1 in the opening minute of the second half.
- And that was crucial with another Thomas, Deng, heading the equaliser on 49 minutes. Etihad erupted!
- Wanderers hit back, Bonevacia smashing a strike against the post as the end-to-end action continued apace as super-sub Santalab came ahead of the final 20 minutes for the visitors.
GOAL
Riera, Wanderers 32’: 0-1
Made in Spain! Alvaro Cejudo with the ball in behind for Raul Llorente down the left side of the Victory box and his perfect cross was met by Oriol Riera with a powerful downward header.
Deng, Victory 49’: 1-1
Leroy George with the curling set piece perfectly finding Thomas Deng’s head and he expertly guided the ball onto the post and in. Game on at 1-1.
