Bruno Fornaroli made a welcome return to Melbourne City FC’s starting XI and scored his side’s goal but couldn’t prevent a 2-1 loss in a pulsating Melbourne Derby on Friday night.
The Uruguayan smashed a second-half penalty to even the ledger before Leroy George’s winner for Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.
SEE ALL THE GOALS AND RELIVE THE GAME IN THE MATCH CENTRE
Fornaroli scored his first A-League goal in almost 12 months and has now bagged three goals in his last three home appearances against Victory.
“For me, playing 90 minutes tonight is a great feeling but it’s not a good result,” an exhausted Fornaroli told Fox Sports.
“We fight to the end. But unfortunately we can’t score again and we lose this game.”
It was Fornaroli’s first start after returning from a long layoff due to injury.
He looked back in form holding up the ball intelligently and bringing other players into the game, though clearly, his match fitness is still a way off.
City remain in third on the ladder after the loss, however, Victory are now just a point behind them.
Warren Joyce’s men have now lost three games on the trot following losses to Sydney FC and Glory.
It’s a worrying slide with the finals now in sight after 22 rounds.
“It’s difficult for us and the club and our fans.
“There’s nothing to do right now but do recovery tomorrow and try to work hard ahead of the next game,” added Fornaroli.
City next face Adelaide United away.
