Melbourne Victory have suffered their first defeat of the 2020 AFC Champions League after going down 1-0 to FC Seoul in Tokyo on Tuesday night.
Carlos Salvachua’s side were undone by an eighth minute strike through Park Chu-Young.
Despite the early setback, Victory had their chances to equalise with Adama Traore spurning a one-on-one chance, while skipper Ola Toivonen tested keeper Yu Sang-hun with a powerful effort.
From the ensuing corner, Toivonen prodded over the bar after Giancarlo Gallifuoco’s header fell to him at the far post as Victory enjoyed a spell of concerted pressure.
The home side improved after the break and almost doubled their lead, but Park’s header was straight at the grateful Lawrence Thomas in Victory’s goal.
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Andrew Nabbout almost orchestrated and equaliser just before the hour mark when his driving run and cross was almost turned into his own net by Kim Nam-chun.
Youngster Brandon Lauton almost made himself a hero with a curling shot which went wide 12 minutes from time, which was Victory’s last real chance to salvage an equaliser.
The Hyundai A-League club’s disappointing result was compounded with an injury to youngster Jay Barnett, while defender James Donachie will be suspended for the next match after picking up his second yellow card of the group stage.
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A narrow loss in Seoul #FCSvMEL #ACL2020 pic.twitter.com/djKWQzV406
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) February 18, 2020
Victory will need to pick themselves up quickly for a must-win match in the Hyundai A-League on Saturday night against Newcastle Jets in the Hunter.
Newcastle Jets v Melbourne Victory
Saturday, 22 February 2020
Kick-off: 7.30pm AEDT
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium
Broadcast: FOX Sports 505
Stream: MyFootball Live App, Kayo Sports