The 10th season of the A-League kicked off on Friday night with the Western Sydney Wanderers taking on premiership favourites Melbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium.
In a flashy first 30 minutes of the Hyundai A-League season, the Melbourne Victory notched 3 goals against the Asian Champions League finalists in an impressive display of fluent ground passing. The Wanderers managed to snatch a goal, but it was the Victory who controlled the match, winning 4-1 and living up to their pre-season ‘favourites’ status.
Referee Jarred Gillett stamped his authority on the match with an early booking to Melbourne captain Mark Brookham for an inaccurate lunge. Both teams full of adrenaline at the opening of the first match of the season.
On his debut for Melbourne Victory, Matthieu Delpierre volleyed a perfectly timed cross from a Guilherme Finkler free kick to put the Victory up 1-0 in the 8th minute. Melbourne displayed some silky touches early, uncommon so early in the season.
The referee pointed to the spot in the 19th minute after deciding that a Wanderers defender had used his arm to control the ball in the penalty area.
Bersart Berisha stepped up to the spot and neatly tucked away his 48th goal in the Hyundai A-League. Importantly, this his first goal as the marquee signing for Melbourne Victory from the Brisbane Roar in the off-season.
Kosta Barbarouses dazzled with some tricky skills in the 29th minute and popped a quick shot at goal. A poor clearance from the Wanderers defence from the initial shot and a classy blast from the Victory skipper (Brookham) had Melbourne up by 3 goals.
Close to the break (42′), Western Sydney Wanderers captain Mark Bridge hammered home a much needed goal from a well-timed cross. 3-1 at the break and a sense of change heading into the second half.
Club legend Archie Thompson put the game out of the Wanderers reach in the 54th minute with his 71st A-League goal. Bersat Berisha providing Thompson with a lovely assist into the box and Thompson finished with composure to make it 4-1 to the home side.
Melbourne controlled possession (63%) and enjoyed their 3-goal cushion throughout the remaining minutes.
“We knew they were full of confidence, but we hadn’t won a first round in 7 years… tonight we got our just rewards,” commented club veteran Archie Thompson who played out 60 minutes and scored a first half goal for the Melbourne Victory.
Animated coach Kevin Muskat was thrilled with his sides’ performance:
“I thought our tempo was good and when pressed them in the right areas… all in all I could not be happier.”
The Western Sydney Wanderers play in the first-leg of the Asian Champions League Final at home on October 25th against Al Hilal FC.
