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The Melbourne Victory remain undefeated after eight matches to sit at the top of the A-League ladder, following a 3-2 win over Adelaide United.
The hosts, buoyed by an exuberant AAMI Park crowd, enjoyed the bulk of possession inside the first period with their pressure leading the Reds into conceding 2 own goals.
In what is being dubbed the ‘Rivalry Round’, tempers were at a boiling point between players and coaches – 41 fouls awarded and an official warning handed down to Victory coach Kevin Muscat.
Nigel Boogaard had found his own net inside seven minutes, before Awer Mabil equalised soon after with a goal from close range.
The Vics would again find the front – albeit via Sergio Cirio – as the Reds defence yielded another goal following a poor clearance.
Leigh Broxham would double the lead in the 32nd minute, heading home a delightful cross to leave Eugene Galekovic wanting once more.
A dubious penalty decision on the brink of half time would see Marcelo Carrusca cut the lead back to one.
That is where the scoring would end – a goal-less, but nonetheless an enjoyable, second stanza.
FINAL SCORE:
Melbourne Victory – 3
Adelaide United – 2
Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United will continue their rivalry when the two sides meet for the second time this A-League season on Friday night at AAMI Park. Join The Roar for live scores from 7:40pm (AEDT).
Who will find themselves atop of the A-League Ladder?
After playing out an exciting 1-1 draw in front of 30,000 people at the Adelaide Oval in Round 2, heavyweights Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United will again clash in what promises to be a close and fiery encounter.
The winner is guaranteed to find themselves at the summit of the ladder only until other matches are played throughout the round,but there is still plenty for both teams to play for.
In squad news, Melbourne Victory welcomes back the availability of Jason Geria and Nick Ansell whilst the Reds’ star striker Bruce Djite Marcelo Carrusca return from groin and ankle injuries respectively.
While it will be unclear until hours before kickoff who – if any – of the above will either start or play, their inclusion in the squad is a positive sign for both sides. Not least Adelaide, who will need every ounce of firepower to overcome a well disciplined and high flying Victory side.
For the home side, Albanian striker Besart Berisha is already leading the goal tally for the A-League this year and if the Reds are unable to contain him, they can expect to be plucking the ball from the back of the net on multiple occasions.
Similarly, Muscat’s men will have to ensure they contain the attacking threats of Bruce Djite and/or Pablo Sanchez as both will be looking to fire their side to victory and one step closer to the top of the A-League Goal scoring tally.
With both sides fighting for top spot on the ladder – expect a game full of attacking chances which will finally end with both coaches settling for a point.
Tip: Victory 2-2 Reds
Join The Roar from 7:30 (AEDT) for live scores of this highly anticipated match!
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