Brisbane Roar and Central Coast Mariners played out arguably the game of the season on Friday night, with the first ever 5-3 scoreline in Hyundai A-League history.
Spectacular strikes from Eric Bautheac and Alex Lopez lit-up a truly crazy 90 minutes as Roar secured a vital win over a Mariners side that ended with nine men after red cards to Aiden O’Neill and Matt Simon.
It was a match you wouldn’t have predicted considering how both sides have fared this season but when it comes to entertainment, you couldn’t have asked for much more.
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Bautheac, who started the incredible drama with a jaw-dropping overhead kick, was delighted with his goal of the season contender.
“It’s a great goal,” he told Fox Sports after the match.
“Dylan [Wenzel-Halls] gave me a perfect assist. I didn’t think I’d control on my chest and [do a] bicycle but it’s a great goal. I’m very happy.
“We needed to win this game because it’s been a hard season for us. We want to finish the season well and tonight I’m happy because we scored five goals.”
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6005643994001
Bautheac’s eye-catching opener was followed by an equally spectacular strike four minutes later via a wicked volley by Roar’s midfielder Alex Lopez.
It was one of two classy goals the Spanish playmaker scored on the night, while Tobias Mikkelsen’s looping header was also one for the highlights reel.
Interim Roar boss Darren Davies summed it up pretty well when he offered: “It was a shootout. We’re constantly good for entertainment.
“I’m over the moon for the boys and we scored some tremendous goals as well.
“The first three goals were fantastic. It’s so pleasing for the players, they came here with a positive attitude, they went out, scored goals and got a very good result.”
Unsurprisingly, the thrilling encounter drew plenty of reaction on social media.
Eight goals. Two reds. There’s a 17yo at left back for the Roar. That was fun. Mental but fun. #aleague #CCMVBRI
— Ed Jackson (@edjacko) February 22, 2019
Game of the season this #CCMvBRI #aleague
— Scott (@bfctangerine) February 22, 2019
Well then. That was some game. #CCMvBRI
— William Caldwell (@Will_Caldwell10) February 22, 2019
https://twitter.com/Epower2_ant/status/1098894786990288897
https://twitter.com/deeman_77/status/1098894635181592576
That was genuine champagne football from @brisbaneroar – This half has been ridiculous! #CCMvBRI https://t.co/1Fgf3Swmxg
— Simon Smale (@simon_smale) February 22, 2019
Is this real life? What is going on #ALeague #CCMvBRI
— Josh (@joshthorp23) February 22, 2019
https://twitter.com/sportyjo15/status/1098892652353712128
Tonight's A-League match makes watching #AFLX like watching grass grow. #CCMvBRI
— The Aussie Gaffer 🇦🇺 (@TheAussieGaffer) February 22, 2019
Goalless after half an hour… 3-2 Brisbane at half-time… over to your Russ! #CCMvBRI pic.twitter.com/a46P9AHHlI
— Brenton Speed (@BrentonSpeed) February 22, 2019
https://twitter.com/Aaron_Smurf88/status/1098881410071285760
