Melbourne Victory boss Kevin Muscat has urged his side to ignore the weight of history and a highly-fancied opponent to grasp a big opportunity to kick-start their 2019 AFC Champion League campaign.
Victory are in China where they will take on local heavyweights Guangzhou Evergrande in a must-win clash to stay alive in this year’s ACL.
If the challenge of facing one of the richest club’s in Asia isn’t daunting enough, Victory will also need to create a piece of club history to pull off a shock win at the Tianhe Stadium.
The Hyundai A-League champions have never won an away game in the ACL.
“All these things you get thrown up against and it’s just something else we’re going to have to overcome,” Muscat told reporters in China on the eve of the clash.
“We’ll take it in our stride and put our best foot forward.
“They’re at home, they’re expecting a massive crowd and that’s exciting for us as well.
“The calibre of players, it’s by no means going to be an easy feat but it’s a great opportunity for us.
“It’s a really good opportunity to perform well and get something out of the game.”
This isn’t the first time Victory have faced Evergrande at their 55,000-capacity home ground.
The last time they met was in the group stage in 2014, where Victory took a 2-0 lead to the break in China only to be overwhelmed in the second half to lose 4-2.
The Chinese giants have also started their domestic season in ominous fashion, winning all four games without conceding a goal.
ACL PREVIEW: Victory and Sydney FC prepare for huge challenges against big-name stars
KAMSOBA’S JOURNEY: From the NPL to facing Brazilian star Paulinho
WATCH FOR FREE: How to watch Hyundai A-League LIVE and FREE
After losing their first two group matches – against Korea Republic’s Daegu FC and Sanfrecce Hiroshima of Japan – nothing but a win will do for Victory to keep their hopes of progression alive.
Spanish midfielder Raul Baena is set to miss the match with a hamstring injury, while keeper Lawrence Thomas is a 50-50 chance to return after missing Saturday night’s Big Blue.
