The Melbourne Victory are through to the A-League Grand Final after an impressive and dominant performance over a disappointing Brisbane Roar outfit.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Melbourne Victory 1
Brisbane Roar 0
It’s An A-League semi-final between two of the competition’s most successful clubs in the Melbourne Victory and the Brisbane Roar. Join The Roar for a live commentary and blog of the match from Etihad Stadium at 5pm AEST.
The Victory and the Roar are two A-League clubs with huge success over the competition’s short history with matches between these the teams always producing epic moments in Australian football.
The Victory enter the match having had a week’s break after finishing second in the competition prior to the finals commencing.
The Melbourne-based outfit enter the game in inconsistent form after a heavy loss to Wellington was met with a narrow home win over the Mariners.
However, form goes out the window when it comes to finals, and the Victory will be fired up against a Roar side which has given them significant issues in the past.
Berisha will look to haunt his former side after scoring his 100th A-League goal previously against the Central Coast, and the Victory will look to him to send them through.
Brisbane come into this game after a clutch extra time and penalties victory over the Wanderers at Suncorp.
The Roar will be buoyed with confidence after winning another thriller at home but will be crestfallen after a dismal Asian cup performance midweek which saw Jamie Young pick up a knock.
The Roar will look to their main man Jamie Maclaren who is likely to leave the Roar for pastures new at the end of the season.
The young Australian has been bagging in the goals and has grabbed the attention of many clubs overseas and locally.
Prediction
This game has all the markings of a classic finals encounter. However the extra break and home field advantage should give the Victory over the line. Just.
2-1 Victory AET
Join The Roar for live updates and commentary during the match from 5pm AEST.
Chopper
Guest
It's been reported today that Brown has a fractured cheek as a result of the Berisha elbow.
Pablo
Guest
Big round of applause to the victory supporters, what class shown by the vast majority in booing a player who got a knee to the head.
TK
Guest
I agree - pretty flat performance from Brisbane. Melbourne were better.
hogdriller
Roar Rookie
Someone hasn't had their Peptide prescription renewed yet........either that or dropped his last banana somewhere.
hogdriller
Roar Rookie
Also the last MV corner before half time, Berisha put his right elbow out into Jamie Young's neck which stopped Young punching the ball away allowing Donachie to make contact with ball. MV didn't need any help from the ref as they dominated the game, and deserved the win........but the officials still gave into them. For what it's worth, Carl Valeri is no better than Santalab at being the club hack thug.
ziphead
Guest
Snooze fest? May need to cut down on your meds, mate.
Nemesis
Guest
Is this Ten Pin Bowling or Lawn Bowls?
punter
Guest
Because Maxwell bowls better then Smith,
Pauly
Guest
Grand Finals have sold out several years in a row. Perhaps that satisfies your criteria for big? Or maybe you'll never be satisfied. I'm tipping the latter. Now, why does Smith hate Maxwell?
Nemesis
Guest
That's was an intense, competitive football semi-final. If you thought that was boring, you obviously don't understand The Game.
Samuel Ashton
Roar Guru
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SmithHatesMaxwell
Guest
Big Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory Grand Final. No excuse for not selling out. We'll see how big soccer really is in Australia next Sunday.
Midfielder
Guest
Enjoyed the match... best team won...
AZ_RBB
Guest
Really really great game of football. End to end for nearly the entire 90mins. No idea how it didnt have 5-6 goals. That's the kinda football you want to be seeing at this point of the season. Still not sure if MVFC have what it takes to beat SFC. But anything can happen in a final.
Swanny
Guest
Snooze fest these semi finals
snoopy
Guest
Another game that shows KGJ is a complete joke as a ref, Valeri seven fouls before a card, priceless. Not to mention the Berisha elbow to Corey Brown's head when the goal was score, but surprise no VAR. Won;t even bother watching the grand final foxtel and the FFA are pathetic.
Red Block
Guest
Thanks to some ridiculous scheduling the organisers of the A League get the grand final they crave ,,, Melb v Syd.
Lionheart
Guest
well played MV. a bridge too far for Roar.
Samuel Ashton
Roar Guru
FULL TIME!!! VICTORY 1-0 ROAR A strong Melbourne side see-off Brisbane in an enthralling A-League Semi Final Post Match Analysis to come
Samuel Ashton
Roar Guru
92ND MIN: Ingham and Berisha come close