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This match was built up as one of the biggest matches of the season and it did not fail to disappoint. An enthralling contest between two of the league’s heavyweights in a match that had the Premiers Plate on the line.
REPORT: VICTORY AND ROAR DRAW, REDS PREMIERS
Despite not seeing a goal this evening, there was plenty of drama on and off the field with both teams desperately attacking and giving everything from start to finish.
It just wasn’t meant to be for the Brisbane Roar, who were denied by a valiant Victory outfit and in particular the heroics of goal keeper Lawrence Thomas who came to his sides rescue on a number of occasions. Thomas’ best save coming early in the second half, denying Jamie Maclaran who was through on goal and on any other day probably would have scored.
They will be chanting Thomas’ name throughout the city of Adelaide this evening, with the Reds being crowned Premiers for the first time since season one of the A-League.
The match started in incredible fashion, Matt McKay came inches away to opening the scoring, failing to convert a golden chance in the opening few minutes. The intensity only lifted from there with both teams playing very exciting football.
The Roar dominated the play for most of the match, however things very quickly turned as a very inexperienced Victory outfit found their groove late in the half and with the help of their home support, put the visitors on the back foot late in the second half, coming very close to pinching a victory.
Despite not scoring, the Victory managed to spoil the party, defending very bravely and holding the Roar at bay. Brisbane had 16 attempts on goal however it just wasn’t their day as they just couldn’t find the back of the net.
These two sides could meet again next week should Western Sydney win next week and climb to second on the table.
Nonetheless, this has set up an incredible finals series, where six teams will fight for the ultimate prize.
The deadlock could not be broken tonight, with the Victory and the Roar playing out a scoreless draw in front of an intense crowd at AAMI Park.
Final score
Melbourne Victory 0
Brisbane Roar 0
It really is the business end of the season as the Melbourne Victory host one of three games that can decide this year’s Premiers when take on the Brisbane Roar on Saturday night at AAMI Park. Join The Roar from 7:30pm (AEDT) for live scores and commentary.
This season has been the tightest ever witnessed in the A-League. The top six are all worthy contenders and for the first time since the system was introduced, provides the fans of all the competing teams some belief that they are all a real chance of winning the Championship.
We have seen teams rise and teams fall this year, but nothing has prepared us for this season’s finale.
Four teams have a chance of lifting the Premiers Plate, one of which is the Brisbane Roar who are looking to claim their third Premiers Plate, something only their opponents Melbourne Victory have achieved.
At the open of the round Brisbane sat on top of the table, one-point ahead of Adelaide United, meaning that a win for the Roar will see them crowned premiers for season 2015/16, but anything less than three points opens up the title to any one of those four teams.
The Roar are currently one of the inform teams of the competition, having won four out of their last five matches. They come up against a Melbourne Victory side that have experienced something of a revival ahead of the finals, winning their last two matches and holding a very determined Suwon Bluewings outfit to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday night.
Both teams will be equally determined to prove a point to the rest of the competition, which no doubt will result in a fiery contest.
There have been nine goals in the last two meetings between these two sides. The last time these two sides met it was the Roar that brutally defeated the Victory 5-0 in Brisbane in what was a deplorable effort by the Melbourne side. Prior to that loss, the Victory had won their last four matches against the Roar including a 4-0 win at AAMI Park earlier in the season, in what was a very impressive performance.
It will certainly be interesting to see which versions of these two sides show up in what arguably is the most important fixture of the round and quite possibly the season.
Both the Roar and the Victory enjoy maintaining possession throughout the game, averaging 59 and 50 per cent of possession in their matches respectively.
The Victory have made a number of alterations to the side that defeated the Phoenix last time out, making five inclusions with Connor Pain, Giancarlo Gallifuoco, Jai Ingham, Jesse Makarounas and Thomas Deng adding some youthful spice into the team.
Besart Berisha meanwhile is sidelined due to suspension. This no doubt severely hurts the Victory as the Albanian Striker is their most threatening player in attack. It is unfortunate that in Berisha’s absence we will be unable to see two of the league’s best strikers – himself and Brisbane’s Jamie Maclaren – go head to head.
The Roar meanwhile bring in some strong experience for this must-win clash with Shane Stefanuto and Javier Hervas included in the side.
With Besart Berisha out of the side it will mean that someone else will need to stand up and deliver on the big stage. Despite leaving the club at the end of the season, Kosta Barbarouses will no doubt be determined to end his reign at the Victory with a bang.
The Kiwi International has scored six goals this season and will be looked upon tonight and throughout the finals series to provide Victory with the spark that they have lacked throughout many games this season.
The stakes for this match could not be any higher. A win for Brisbane means they are crowned Premiers. A win for the Victory and the Blue and White brigade send an ominous warning to their rivals ahead of the finals.
No doubt it will be a cracking contest to the death between two of the league’s powerhouse sides.
Prediction
A last minute winner sees Brisbane crowned Premiers.
Brisbane 1-0.
Will the Roar take out the Premiership? Or will the Victory spoil the party on home soil?
Join The Roar from 7:30pm (AEDT) to find out!
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