Melbourne taste Victory at last, but what an obstacle they face next! Can they silence the Brisbane Roar?
Melbourne Victory v Brisbane Roar
Saturday 5th November, 7.45pm
Melbourne taste Victory at last, but what an obstacle they face next! Can they silence the Brisbane Roar?
With their duck broken and with their army of fans finally having goals to celebrate, there is a feel-good factor about Melbourne Victory this week.
And not only is the side’s confidence up, but so too are excitement levels around the city. This Saturday sees Etihad host an absolute belter of a clash, as an exceptional Brisbane team make up a really tough opponent.
Still, Melbourne Victory have such great pedigree that they fear no one, and Roar should be under no illusion that this will be a tricky contest. Can Victory be the team that finally puts an end to the Champions’ incredible unbeaten run?
With the support of another huge Melbourne crowd behind them, they certainly have a good chance. So book your tickets today and be a part of a cracking atmosphere and a potential upset.
Victory go into the game in high spirits after gaining their first three points of the season last Sunday. Perennial goal-machine Archie Thompson opened his side’s account just before half-time and then a cool 68th minute penalty from Carlos Hernandez, after Thompson had been hauled down, proved to be the match-winner.
Despite a late surge from their hosts, and a 71st minute goal, the Melbourne defence held strong. Three points were, unsurprisingly, greeted with a mixture of joy and relief.
Victory’s opponents couldn’t be more confident at the moment. Last week they set their already high bar to a completely new level. Their win over Adelaide United was breathtaking in so many ways.
Firstly, the way they reacted to falling behind for the first time this season was impressive. Secondly, the way they went on to pick off their opponents with such clinical precision was unbelievable.
With Besart Berisha claiming a first-half hat-trick in six minutes and scoring four overall, Roar strode incredibly confidently towards another amazing win. Their passing and movement was better than ever before, which is really saying something. 5-1 up at half-time and 7-1 winners after the 90 minutes, they sent a strong, loud and clear message to the rest of the Hyundai A-League: 32 games unbeaten… Catch us if you can.
However, 33 games ago, the side to last beat Roar was Melbourne Victory. Way back in September of last year, they in fact thumped them by three unanswered goals.
A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then but it proves what a tough place to visit Melbourne can be for opposing teams. Can the home side reprise that performance and send a massive crowd wild?
With Sydney and Heart having already made up tricky opponents for Victory in front of huge attendances, the big games keep on coming at the Etihad. And they don’t come much bigger than this!
It’s Melbourne Victory against Brisbane Roar and it is going to be a stormer of a match played amid an intense atmosphere. These are the kind of occasions that make the Hyundai A-League such a thrilling competition. Simply, you would be crazy to spend your Saturday night anywhere else.
