The Australia Cup holders are out after A-League Men champions Western United dethroned Melbourne Victory 2-1 at AAMI Park.
In a rematch of last season’s Isuzu UTE A-League semi-final, Western knocked out the defending champions to reach the Round of 16 on Wednesday night.
After Victory defender George Timotheou turned the ball into his own net to gift Western a 24th-minute lead, Johnny Warren Medallist Jake Brimmer scored an incredible goal to equalise in the second half.
But Western got the job done thanks to Lachlan Wales six minutes later, despite a late cameo from Victory’s former Manchester United star Nani – whose looping effort was pushed onto the bar in the 90th minute.
Victory entered the match ahead in their pre-season preparations, having faced Premier League juggernaut Manchester United at the MCG last month.
For Western, it was their first hit-out and it showed initially as Victory dominated early proceedings.
Chris Ikonomidis, who dazzled against the Red Devils, was in the thick of the action with two chances inside the first 10 minutes.
As the half wore on, Western found their groove and they took the lead against the run of play.
Wales caused plenty of problems on the right and on this occasion, his cross into the box was turned into the net by Timotheou.
There was an opportunity for Victory to equalise on the stroke of half-time, however, Ikonomidis’ effort looped over the crossbar.
A moment of magic from Brimmer restored parity three minutes into the second half – the Victory midfielder’s long-range effort finding the top corner of the net for his third incredible goal in three matches against Western.
But Western were back ahead within six minutes as Wales was on hand to tap home Ben Garuccio’s cross.
Connor Pain almost made it 3-1 with 15 minutes remaining but Paul Izzo stood tall to deny the Western forward.
Victory fans thought the team had equalised with nine minutes remaining, however, Spanish debutant Cadete somehow sprayed his shot wide of the post from point-blank range.
There were last-gasp chances for Victory at the end, though Jamie Young was on hand to deny Nani and Roderick Miranda.
