Melbourne Victory claimed a point away from home against league-leading Auckland FC in a scoreless draw.
Auckland opened the game at GO Media Stadium with the wind roaring behind them, notably threatening from corner deliveries into the box.
Francis De Vries almost opened the scoring for the Black Knights within the first couple of minutes, however a superb reflex save from Jack Duncan kept the scores even.
Victory progressively grew into the half, causing the home side issues on the counterattack while maintaining a greater share of possession.
Playing in a more attack-minded role this week, Jason Geria in particular linked up well down the right wing for Victory with Daniel Arzani later in the second half, creating two promising chances he could not convert.
Victory found themselves entering the break with double the amount of shots as their opposition – a very solid start for the Vuck.
Auckland almost started the second 45 in perfect fashion with Guillermo May firing the ball into the back of the net, but he was found to be offside by the linesman.
A couple of nervy moments ensued Victory with chances falling to Louis Verstraete and Jake Brimmer, however the backline led by captain Roderick Miranda held strong.
Victory Coach Arthur Diles opted to introduce Nishan Velupillay and Santos from the bench around the hour mark, both immediately adding energy and directness to Victory’s attack.
Auckland held more possession in the second half as both sides pushed for an opening goal.
Nikos Vergos, Jing Reec and Joshua Rawlins were all substituted in the late stages of the game; providing much-needed energy to a Victory side that has played three games in three different locations within just 11 days.
Late chances fell for both sides, with Jack Duncan claiming a dangerous through ball in the box and Nishan Velupillay’s curling strike sailing just wide of the far post in the 93rd minute.
While the possibility for a win was on the cards for Arthur Diles’ side considering the chances created, Victory came away with an important point against the league’s top side while maintaining their third position in the Isuzu Ute A-League Men’s ladder.
Melbourne Victory will return to AAMI Park this Saturday to face the Western Sydney Wanderers on January 4.
Tickets are available via Ticketek
