Before a huge Good Friday clash against Sydney FC, the Melbourne Victory must first take care of business in the Asian Champions League when they host Guangzhou Evergrande tonight. Join us for live scores and commentary from 7:30pm AEST.
The Victory are coming off a fine performance against Wellington last week, but face infinitely tougher assignments over the next few days.
First on the menu is a tantalising match-up against Guangzhou Evergrande in the ACL – a match that could decide whether or not the Victory qualify for the knockout rounds of the competition.
The last time these two teams met, Guangzhou managed to overturn a two-goal deficit to triumph 4-2 at home. Another loss for the Victory tonight will see their ACL campaign take a fatal blow.
With this in mind, it will be interesting to see if Kevin Muscat plays his full strength line-up against Guangzhou. Muscat may be tempted to rest some players ahead of the A-League finals edition of the ‘Big Blue’.
Alternatively, Muscat could play full-strength line-ups for both matches, though that is unlikely. Whatever Muscat decides to do with his line-up, a win is a must for Victory if they hope to keep their ACL campaign alive.
The Victory have responded very well under pressure when playing at home in the ACL, securing two terrific wins over strong J-League opposition. Their recent home record in the ACL suggests that Melbourne do have what it takes to secure their third straight win at AAMI Park.
Guangzhou are a fine footballing outfit. In Dario Conca and Alessandro Diamanti, they possess two fine footballers capable of changing the game in an instant, and their class could very well prove the difference yet again tonight.
Guangzhou to win 2-1
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
What a fantastic performance by the lads. The Champions of Asia, coached by a World Cup winning coach .. & our lads held matched them on the park. We didn't park the bus, we went at them. Both goals came from wonderful interplay. Top quality opponents - Nathan Coe saved us many times, but we also had 1/2 dozen clear chances & fluffed the final shot. PS: 50% of the outfield team played significant games in the NYL this season. From our best Xi, we were missing Adama, Rogic, Finkler, Archie, Ansell Bring on Sydney FC.
1860melbourne
Guest
All to play for. All four teams in Melbournes group have 7 points!
jamesb
Guest
Great team goal by Victory with Troisi scoring http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67NG_0SUDkI
Legro
Guest
Full time 2-0 Wanderers, great night for the A-league and Australian football...
AZ_RBB
Guest
What a night for Australian football! Beating the 2012 and 2013 Asian champions on the same night.
1860melbourne
Guest
Go the wanderers. Go Aleague! 2 0 on the night.
Legro
Guest
Wooo! 2 -0 Wanderers! Santalab tapping in a beautiful cross from Bridge, less than 10 minutes to go! dream land.
JAJI
Guest
Troisi for Brazil. He is way better than many Aussies Abroad who all sit on the bench or are injured at present.....
Legro
Guest
it was a great header, GK had no chance.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Checked about 5 times before I was convinced that Bridge had actually scored haha. We're playing some great football.
brisvegas
Guest
Excellent win. Well done, Victory.
Legro
Guest
Woo! bridge just scored for WSW!
AZ_RBB
Guest
Over in WSW v Ulsan. Someone from the RBB has stolen the team bus and we have ourselves a relatively exciting match now.
WestieRBB
Guest
Well done Victory. Well played.
Griffo
Roar Guru
Well done Victory. Great win tonight and well played.
1860melbourne
Guest
May need a win away from home to make it through. A draw maybe enough depending how the cards fall.
1860melbourne
Guest
Good luck to the rest of the aussie teams. Lets make it a hatrick of aussie wins.
Legro
Guest
Whew! what a game! Fantastic win, Should have won by more than 2 goals - they've scuffed so many chances in front of goal, very wasteful - thankfully it didn't cost them.
Alan
Roar Guru
Victory stats for those interested...
Gary Kiely
Guest
Nice job commentating had a little bet on from Ireland you kept me in the know thanks... Keep up the good work