Markus Babbel admits Western Sydney Wanderers had ‘luck on their side’ in Friday night’s crazy – but much needed – 3-2 win over Adelaide United.
The Wanderers held on for their first win since Round 3 in October to snap a seven-game winless streak and ease the pressure on the German’s job.
But it was an unbelievable end to the match with Adelaide’s George Blackwood both scoring and missing a penalty in stoppage-time as the hosts almost pulled off the great escape.
Blackwood made no mistake with his first penalty on 94 minutes to halve the deficit but he blazed his next shot a few minutes later high over the bar.
Asked about the incredible end to the match, Babbel told Fox Sports: “I always get more and more the feeling that we aren’t playing football, we’re playing mad-ball.
“It’s not good for my heart.
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“But I’m happy with the result. It was very important for us.
“I understand the player’s [frustration], they work very hard, especially with these [hot] conditions.
“If you win in the end you are very happy but there was many luck on our side today.”
Despite starting slowly, the Wanderers took an early lead through a Nicolai Muller header before Al Hassan Toure tied things up before the break.
Muller scored his second with another header – and goal of the season contender – just before the hour-mark, before Mohamed Adam scored his first Hyundai A-League goal 13 minutes from time.
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Just as the visitors looked to be cruising to a morale-boosting win, the late penalty drama set-up a thrilling finish.
“I’m very proud of the boys because the first half we were struggling, we weren’t playing well and the only good thing was the result at half-time (1-1),” Babbel said.
“The second half was much better, Adelaide couldn’t create chances anymore, we defended better and we created chances ourselves and scored.
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“Sometimes football is funny because last week we were playing a fantastic style of football and creating chances and we couldn’t score.
“Tonight we had four of five chances and scored three, so perfect.”
Wanderers two-goal hero Muller added: “In the end we have luck, [Blackwood] missed the penalty and we get three points.
“It’s so important for us, the last six games were s*** and now we have to keep going.”
The Wanderers return home on New Years’ Day (Wednesday, January 1) to take on Brisbane Roar at Bankwest Stadium. Kick-off is 7.30pm AEDT.
Buy tickets for the clash and follow in the Match centre.
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