The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Melbourne Victory overcome wondergoal to down Juventus at MCG

Melbourne Victory celebrate a goal in the Asian Champions League.
23rd July, 2016
55
1009 Reads

Melbourne Victory has claimed an upset International Champions Cup win, downing Italian champions Juventus after a penalty shoot-out.

An extraordinary goal from the centre circle might have won it for Juventus, before Victory winger Jai Ingham levelled eight minutes from time to force spot kicks.

Victory gloveman Lawrence Thomas won it for the A-League side, saving efforts from Roman Macek and Stefano Padovan for a historic 4-3 win on penalties for Kevin Muscat’s side.

The success was a first triumph for Victory against a touring international side.

The late drama came in contrast to a sluggish first half on a grey and cool Melbourne night.

On a sullen occasion in desperate need of a spark, little-known Spaniard Carlos Blanco provided it.

The defender gathered Thomas’ long kick and perfectly weighted his shot from just in front of the half-way line into the net.

Just 23,174 attended the International Champions Cup opener between Australia and Italy’s biggest clubs, meaning the match was played without atmosphere at the cavernous MCG.

Advertisement

Making matters worse, Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri left two of his few senior players in attendance, Medhi Benatia and Miralem Pjanic, on the bench all night.

Those that paid premium prices for the less-than-glamour friendly instead saw seven teenagers from Juventus’ youth side among 20 players used.

A drab first half saw Daniele Rugani hit the post and Victory striker Besart Berisha force Juventus gloveman Neto into a sharp save.

Acting Juventus captain Kwadwo Asamoah and Argentinian star Paulo Dybala were among the Serie A champions biggest contributors before they were hauled off among eight half-time changes.

The Juventus youth squad brought more fight, challenging Victory with fast movement.

Their goal gave the Old Lady a deserved lead, but Kevin Muscat’s side weren’t to be denied.

Working with half-chances all evening, Ingham made his count.

Advertisement

The 22-year-old substitute gathered George Howard’s lay-off and turned before sending a neat finish inside the back post.

Victory fell behind in the shoot-out when Carl Valeri’s first shot was saved by substitute goalkeeper Emil Audero, but Muscat’s side recovered to take the honours.

It was 16-year-old Seb Pasquali who slotted Victory’s fourth and ultimately decisive penalty, delighting Muscat.

“It was a big night for him,” he said, before downplaying the result.

“It was exciting for the younger players that were out there … it was an honour and a privilege to be playing such a powerhouse of world football.”

Allegri praised Victory for their endeavour.

“Tonight, they showed their worth as a club,” he said.

Advertisement
close