Brisbane Roar’s next generation took centre stage on Wednesday night as they fought out an enthralling 3-3 draw with South Korean side Suwon Bluewings in the AFC Champions League.
Emerging midfielder Devante Clut scored twice in just his third appearance at senior level, while teenage forward Brandon Borrello’s rich vein of form continued with another goal at the Gold Coast’s cBus Super Stadium.
Clut’s second strike was a stunner from just outside the box with 10 minutes remaining, bringing the Roar back on equal terms just as they appeared destined for defeat.
The Roar had surged to a 2-0 lead after 22 minutes but their grasp on the match slipped after the break, and Suwon took full advantage through a Seo Jung-jin brace and a header from North Korean international striker Jong Tae-se.
The importance of a win was underlined for both teams when Beijing Guoan defeated Urawa Red Diamonds on Tuesday to consolidate their Group G supremacy, setting up Brisbane and Suwon for a likely battle for the second qualifying berth.
The two sides will meet again on April 8, this time in Korea, where the winner will put themselves in the box seat for the round of 16.
Clut was one of six inclusions for the Roar from the side that fell to Sydney FC on Sunday, filling in the playmaker role in the absence of Thomas Broich, who was rested.
Any concerns about Brisbane’s ability to create without their star German midfielder were quickly allayed.
The Roar took the lead just 12 minutes in through Borrello, who ghosted from his marker to meet a cutback from Andrija Kaluderovic and finish neatly past Suwon goalkeeper No Dong-geon.
Ten minutes later it was two for Brisbane, this time with Borrello the provider on the back of some strong lead-up play through midfield.
Clut, who also scored on his A-League debut last year, was fed the ball just outside the box and then put his laces through it to find the bottom right-hand corner.
But Jung-jin pounced either side of the break, capitalising on two instances of sloppy Brisbane defending, to drag Suwon back into the contest.
His second goal was sublime, as he danced through three Brisbane defenders before delivering a clinical finish just five minutes after half-time.
When Tae-se nodded home at the back post to complete an excellent, flowing team move in the 71st minute, the Roar looked shot – only for Clut’s slice of brilliance to save the day.
Bart
Guest
I was hoping that Sarota would have been a much more influential player this season than he has been. Perhaps getting Clut in to spice things up would be a good move.
Waz
Guest
jb - the continued theme is the team/squad as a whole is under performing which, given there's so little training time available to Roar with two games per week, I doubt there is time to correct given this lack of coaching time and the need to rotate players in and out - having found their goal scoring boots I think Theijssen would do well to just "turn the battleship on its side and blast away" as it's doubtful defensive frailties can be correct mid-flow nor are they in a good position to defend their way to a final. The close season can then be used to complete the team performance
j binnie
Guest
Waz - was late in realising the game was being shown so missed the first 20 minutes (caught the goals later) but being 2-0 up assumed they must have played well.You mention they created chances that merited another 2 goals but this is surely the flaw since Berisha's departure,chances are being created ok but are not being taken You rightly menton Brattan's mistake being punished but where did the attacker/scorer and runners come from that flooded through the middle and if you get a chance to watch it again,where were the full backs.? Bluewings did take heart from their goal and began to penetrate more often but this rise in activity also coincided with Roar's seemingly eternal deficiency,the constant increase in "ball turnover" all across the field. .Your statement re. holding a 2 goal lead is 100% correct but after 8 goals in 2 matches questions have to be raised,and answered, if success is to be achieved. Cheers jb ps - liked very much the young lad's shoot on sight policy,others could take note and learn. jb
Waz
Guest
Totally agree on Sarota - he's meant to be a bonus in our squad on loan for the season but he's just being ineffective. Brady I think we will see in the next couple of games
Waz
Guest
Bart - totally agree, it was an entertaining game with a lot of very good football from both sides who each had periods of dominance that they were able to turn into goals. It was a really brave move by Theijjsen to drop Broich, especially not to put him on the bench "just in case", and play Clut - and it paid off. Theijssen has got the best out of Borrello and Donachie (and even Brown when he's not doing something dumb) and Clut showed a maturity way beyond his years. A good game alas a case of two points dropped but I think Roar are capable of winning in Suwong and Beijing so there's real hope here.
Chopper
Guest
It is time to give more of these youngsters a go. Why persist with Sarota and Petratos when you have Clut and Brady (another good youngster)on your books.
Waz
Guest
A bit of an unnecessary negative twist on this report as Roar were excellent in the first 35 minutes and created enough chances to be 3 or 4 nil up; the first goal conceded was again a bit soft but it was a genuine mistake from Brattan under pressure that was punished harshly. After that Bluewings were excellent and we struggled to stay in the game, indeed we could have found ourselves two goals down with some of their one-touch football magnificent. But Roar again found a way back in to the game and the end result a deserved 3-3 draw which reflected both sides excellent play and their own periods of defensive frailty. However it's fair to say our blushes were saved because at this level you really should be able to protect a two goal lead. There's nothing in this group for Roar to fear so they can get out of it!
Bart
Guest
It was a good game from both sides. I liked the numerous chances that the Roar created. I thought the youngsters played well, with Clut and Borello both have great games. I would like to see more of Clut in the first team.