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Brisbane Roar’s AFC Champions League campaign is back on track after an impressive 1-0 victory over J-League powerhouse Urawa Red Diamonds in Japan.
The Roar made a dream start at Saitama Stadium, scoring the decisive goal in just the second minute through young forward Brandon Borrello.
Borrello was fed in by Thomas Broich and unleashed a fierce drive from a narrow angle, the shot whizzing past Japanese international goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa at his near post.
It was all the Roar needed to seal their first ever victory in Asia and pick up a vital three points in Group G following their disastrous 1-0 loss last week to Beijing Guoan.
The hosts spent most of the second half on Wednesday night a player short after Daisuke Nasu was shown a straight red card for bringing Andrija Kaluderovic to the ground with a cynical rugby-style tackle, just as the Serbian striker appeared set to streak through on goal.
But unlike how they coughed up the ascendancy to a 10-man Beijing, this time Brisbane was able to seize the advantage.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing – the Roar’s inability to put Urawa to the sword with a second goal made for some nervy moments, but led by Luke DeVere, the defence was ultimately able to keep the Reds at bay.
Coach Frans Thijssen made four changes to the team that drew 2-2 in Perth at the weekend, with the most notable omission goalkeeper Michael Theo, who suffered a groin strain against the Glory and was named on the bench against Urawa.
Theo’s understudy Jamie Young started in the goalmouth while Henrique overcome a knee injury to take his place in the team – but there was no room for ex-Socceroo Adam Sarota, who was left on the bench for the second straight game.
Henrique spurned a great chance to make it 2-0 in the 35th minute, again on the back of a Broich through ball, but Shusaku was able to make the stop with his foot.
Young stood tall shortly after the interval, protecting Brisbane’s lead with an excellent save of his own to deny Urawa’s Koroki Shinzo, who was clear on goal and hovering around the penalty spot.
Minutes later, the home side was reduced to 10 men when Nasu needlessly felled Kaluderovic, turning the contest Brisbane’s way.
Substitute Tadanari Lee nearly equalised for Urawa at the death but his diving header flew just over the crossbar.
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