It’s a battle of two sides already struggling to save their Asian Champions League campaigns when the Melbourne Victory travel to Japan to face Kawasaki Frontale. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 9pm (AEDT).
Both the Japanese and Australian outfit had a rough time of it during the first window of matches, with the Victory able to secure a draw.
With the other two teams in the group – Shanghai East Asia and Ulsan moving ahead – this is a pivotal match to keep in touch with the top two.
The Victory kicked off their campaign at home with a somewhat disappointing three-all draw against Ulsan. The result stung Melbourne, who at that point had lost three A-League games on the trot.
They were then thumped away from home 4-1 by Shanghai, and while they have a competition point to their name, they are going to need results away from home to qualify for the next round.
Since the first bracket of ACL games, Melbourne have looked in better touch though, recording wins over Adelaide United and Melbourne City in the derby.
Still, playing away from home will be a challenge. It’s something Australian clubs have often struggled with and in addition, Kawasaki’s ACL matches so far can’t be taken as gospel.
A 1-0 loss at home to Shanghai was frustrating for the club, yet, one or two plays could have completely flipped the game on its head and ensured a different result.
The loss away from home to Ulsan saw them outplayed for the majority. With just five minutes to play, it was 2-0 before a late goal saw them make the scoreboard more respectable.
While both sides need a win, Melbourne would be more than happy to pick up a draw on the road and then attempt to win their remaining home games.
Given Kawasaki sit at the top of the J1 League though averaging more than two goals per game, their defence will need to be outstanding. Stopping Yū Kobayashi up front has been an impossibility in the domestic competition, with the Japanese striker having 23 goals to his name for the season.
Interestingly, the two sides were in the same group of the 2010 Asian Champions League, with the home side winning both matches and maintaining a clean sheet.
Prediction
With home ground advantage and the track record, as well as the Victory’s form being inconsistent in the A-League, this should be a straightforward win for the Japanese club.
Kawasaki 2 – Victory 0.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of the ACL from 9pm (AEDT) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
That now makes it 18 away ACL games for Melbourne Victory without a win. Travelling is not their strength.
Ryman White
Editor
Great result considering how one-sided it appeared.
That A-League Fan
Roar Guru
Kawasaki had seventeen shots on goal to Victory's four. Still 2-2. Well done Victory, I guess. Doing better than I would have imagined.
Kangajets
Guest
Good result
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thanks for joining me this evening on The Roar for our live coverage of the 2018 Asian Champions League as the Melbourne Victory left Kawasaki with a share of the points following a stoppage time penalty to level it up. Hopefully you enjoyed the call. The Roar will be back with A-League over the weekend and the next ACL games for Melbourne and Sydney FC next Tuesday. I'm live tomorrow from 8pm (AEDT) as the St George Illawarra Dragons take on the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL season opener. Bye for now.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thoughts on the game Roarers?
Scott Pryde
Expert
FULLTIME There will be some extra time because of the goal, but not enough here. Kawasaki have a charge forward, lose it over the sideline and Melbourne probably didn't deserve it, but they will leave Japan with a point and their ACL campaign somewhat still alive if they can find a way to win a majority of their remaining games. Kawasaki's campaign is on life support. They will need to win matches away, probably including their next when they travel to Melbourne next Tuesday. What a turn of events that was. Penalty at the end to level it. Kawasaki 2 Melbourne 2
Scott Pryde
Expert
90 + 3' - GOAL MELBOURNE, LEROY GEORGE Kawasaki will shake their heads, but there was nothing wrong with the penalty decision. George put the shot straight down the middle there and Arai got a hand on it, but the ball has come off the thumb and gone into the back of the goal. We are level with seconds remaining. Kawasaki 2 Melbourne 2
Scott Pryde
Expert
90 + 2' Melbourne have the ball in the right half of the field and are building for one last raid. George to Theoharous and it's a penalty is it? Theoharous has been taken out in the box! Great run with plenty of aggression and he has been taken to ground! Penalty Melbourne in stoppage time to level it! Nara. What a terrible judgement call in defence. Kawasaki 2 Melbourne 1
Scott Pryde
Expert
90 + 1' Kawasaki up to halfway, but they turn it over as well. Melbourne look to attack with things getting desperate, but Kawasaki have well and truly parked the bus now, just keeping men behind the ball. Three minutes of stoppage time to be played. Kawasaki 2 Melbourne 1
Scott Pryde
Expert
89' - This might be the best chance for Melbourne to level it. Goalkeeper in open space and the runners come, but it's high, floating to the far post and well out with a foul given away by the Melbourne runners. Poor corner, bad option and this one looks like it's going to be a win for Kawasaki. Kawasaki 2 Melbourne 1
Scott Pryde
Expert
89' - Melbourne now with a move down the left and a cross from Theoharous is defended with a deflection over the byline. Corner. Kawasaki 2 Melbourne 1
Scott Pryde
Expert
88' - This just isn't working for Melbourne. They give away a free kick just over halfway. SUB: Kawasaki - Tatsuya Hasegawa (off), Kyohei Koborizato (on) Kawasaki 2 Melbourne 1
Scott Pryde
Expert
87' - The Japanese club just looking to control possession now. They link up to halfway, but then lose it. Melbourne can't control it either and Deng loses possession for Melbourne. Kawasaki 2 Melbourne 1
Scott Pryde
Expert
86' - Kawasaki are onto the attack here. Nice defence in the end with a clearance, but Melbourne are running out of time. SUB: Melbourne - Besart Berisha (off), Kenny Athiu (on) Kawasaki 2 Melbourne 1
Scott Pryde
Expert
85' - This game feels to be just winding down here. Neither team able to make anything of any of their possession for the time being, but the Victory need to find something in the final five minutes. Kawasaki 2 Melbourne 1
Scott Pryde
Expert
83' - Kawasaki are far from certainties with a one-goal lead, but they are starting to run the clock wherever and whenever they can. Deng now with a pass searching forward, but it misses everyone and rolls over the byline. Kawasaki 2 Melbourne 1
Scott Pryde
Expert
82' - Would you look at that, all smiles for Arai as he gets back up. With that, Kawasaki making a change. SUB: Kawasaki - Hiroyuki Abe (off), Kengo Nakamura (on) Kawasaki 2 Melbourne 1
Scott Pryde
Expert
81' - Play breaking down for both sides in the middle of the pitch now before Williams finds Troisi, then it's onto Berisha who loses it forward towards Arai. The Kawasaki goalkeeper ends up with it and is taken out by Berisha. Oh wow. He was barely touched, but here comes the physio anyway. Kawasaki 2 Melbourne 1
Scott Pryde
Expert
80' - Melbourne with fresh legs, but time is starting to run out for them. Broxham takes the captains armband for Melbourne and they need to throw everything at this to save their ACL campaign. Not much there though. A turnover, then they are back in defence. Kawasaki 2 Melbourne 1