It was a rapid start to Saturday twilight football at AAMI Park with both sides looking to strike early.
Our first chance of the match came from Daniel Arzani in the 6th minute. A brilliant long ball from Jake Brimmer found Arzani on the right wing who controlled the ball with ease. The pacey winger attacked the box, letting rip a shot across goal, forcing Brisbane’s Freke to palm the shot away.
Brisbane’s Nikola Mileusnic almost opened the scoring for the Roar in the 8th minute. The forward was found streaming into the right of the box but sent his shot into the side netting.
Another chance our way in the 9th minute. After Fornaroli’s pass across goal inside the box was deflected out, the ball fell perfectly for Brimmer at the top of the box. The former Johnny Warren medalist sent in a rapid shot, but there was too much traffic in the box and the ball was deflected away.
A few chances came Victory’s way for the remainder of the half. Daniel Arzani continued to create down the right wing and was looking more and more dangerous as the match went on.
As half-time approached, Brisbane’s Henry Hore hit the woodwork with a header from the centre of the box.
Adama Traore had his heart in his mouth in the 44th minute when a dangerous Brisbane cross came flying at him. The defender looked to intercept but the ball ricocheted off his foot over the crossbar.
An early chance in the second half came Bruno’s way in the 48th minute. Adama Traore sent in a high pin-point cross to the Golden Boot leader who found space alone in the box. Bruno’s shot was on target but was blocked and sent out for a throw-in.
Disaster in the 55th minute when Jason Geria is shown a red card after a VAR check. With Tony Popovic’s side now down to 10 men, the Boss was forced to make an early change, bringing on Connor Chapman for Zinedine Machach.
Brisbane thought they had taken the lead in the 55th minute after rattling the back of the net but the offside flag was raised and the scores remained level.
The Roar once again thought they were about to take the lead but this time, Paul Izzo was the one to deny. The ever-reliable keeper was caught out of prison when a high cross came in from Brisbane. A looping header came Izzo’s way but a high diving save sent the ball over the bar.
A golden chance came Bruno’s way in the 75th minute. Adama Traore’s cross from outside the box expertly found Bruno streaming towards the keeper. A brilliant bit of skill from Bruno to control the ball allowed the striker to weave around defenders but before he could get his shot off, Freke pounced and collected the ball.
With the full-time whistle approaching, both teams traded possession as they looked to finally find the breakthrough, but it never came.
The full-time whistle blew and the points are shared.
We now look to our final home match of the season next week against Western Sydney as our boys in blue aim to secure a home elimination final.
Next Match
Melbourne Victory
Date: Sat 27 Apr
Time: 7:45pm
Location: AAMI Park
Tickets: http://mvf.club/almrd26
