The first half began with both teams showing their attacking intent from the outset. Roderick Miranda had an early chance in the 2nd minute, but his right-footed shot from outside the box sailed high and wide to the left.
The 5th minute saw Zinédine Machach receiving a yellow card for a foul, however, City quickly responded with Mathew Leckie hitting the right post in the 8th minute, coming close to opening the scoring.
Jason Geria also came agonizingly close moments later, hitting the left post with a left-footed shot from the centre of the box.
Fabian Monge found himself in the referee’s book in the 35th minute for a bad foul. Despite the physicality, both teams showcased moments of attacking brilliance, with Nishan Velupillay and Daniel Arzani threatening City’s defence with their forward runs.
As the first half drew to a close, City’s Marco Tilio had a promising opportunity in the 45th minute, but his left-footed shot from the right side of the box was saved by Paul Izzo, keeping the scoreline level at the break.
The second half began similar to the first, with both teams showing their attacking intent from the beginning.
In the 68th minute, Victory’s Ben Folami saw his right-footed shot from the left side of the box blocked by City’s defence, showing Victory’s intent to pressure City’s defenders.
The introduction of substitutes injected fresh energy into Victory as they looked to find the opener, with Salim Khelifi and Jake Brimmer taking the field in the 76th minute to bolster the attacking options.
The 87th minute saw Melbourne Victory’s Salim Khelifi unleash a left-footed shot from the centre of the box, but his attempt was saved in the bottom right corner by City’s goalkeeper. Victory continued to apply pressure, winning successive corners in the 86th minute, but City’s defence stood firm to repel the threats.
Zinédine Machach attempted to unlock City’s defence in the 90+1st minute with a left-footed shot from the left side of the box, but his effort was blocked.
In the dying moments, Jake Brimmer’s left-footed shot from inside the box came agonisingly close for Victory, but City’s Jamie Young held firm, denying our boys in blue Derby glory.
Next Match
Melbourne Victory v Western United
Date: Tue 20 Feb
Time: 7:00pm (AEDT)
Location: AAMI Park
Tickets: http://mvf.club/almrd12
