Skipper Carl Valeri insists Melbourne Victory’s 2018 AFC Champions League campaign can still be salvaged despite their 4-1 loss to Shanghai SIPG on Tuesday night.
Victory were outclassed by their powerful Chinese opponents to remain winless after two group stage matches.
Kevin Muscat’s men are in third spot on the Group F table, three points off a qualifying spot ahead of their next matches against Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale.
“There are many more games to go,” a defiant Valeri said.
“I think with the quality of our team and the experience we have, I think we can do well.
“We’ve just got to focus on ourselves and look forward to the next game.”
Despite making a bright start in the wet and cold conditions in Shanghai, Victory fell behind on 27 minutes when Hulk scored from the penalty spot after a handball by Jason Geria.
Wu Lei doubled the lead four minutes before the break as he headed home a Wang Shenchao cross from the right.
Brazilian superstar Oscar made it 3-0 early in the second half, his 25-yard strike taking a deflection before finding the bottom corner.
Victory did pull a goal back when Besart Berisha converted from the penalty spot following a handball in the area, but Oscar sealed Shanghai’s win with a fine effort, curling a strike into the far corner to make it 4-1.
“I think we started off well. We conceded in key moments,” Valeri lamented.
“I think they scored goals in key moments of the game, which really cost us.
“Ultimately, their quality shone through, but I think there are a lot of positives to take out of this performance.”
Victory now turn their focus to Hyundai A-League action with a clash against Adelaide United at AAMI Park on Saturday night.
