Melbourne Victory returns to AFC Champions League action on Friday and will face Chinese Super League side Beijing FC in its fourth Group E fixture.
Summary
Head Coach Grant Brebner is preparing the squad for the second and final instalment against Beijing, who defeated Melbourne 3-1 at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium on Tuesday.
Five players made their Victory debuts on the night, including Gianluca Iannucci who scored from distance in the second half.
Midfielder Jake Brimmer also impressed in his first Victory appearance – creating chances from the middle of the park and threatening from set pieces.
Callum McManaman, Dylan Ryan and Ben Folami also featured for the new-look Melbourne side, who continue to rebuild and implement Brebner’s new approach.
We're back in #ACL2020 action tomorrow night with a re-match against Beijing FC #MVFC #MELvBJG pic.twitter.com/Rf6KbIgYGi
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) November 26, 2020
The opposition
Beijing’s win against Melbourne moved it onto nine points in Group E, maintaining a 100% record so far.
Brazilian striker Alan has scored two goals in two games since the Champions League restart and remains Beijing’s greatest threat in attack.
Alan’s presence is enhanced by the creativity of Renato Augusto – who scored the opening goal against Victory on Tuesday night.
HIGHLIGHTS | 🇨🇳 Beijing FC 3-1 @gomvfc 🇦🇺
🎥 Beijing FC stay 🔝 of Group E with a 3-1 victory over Melbourne. #BJGvMVC | #ACL2020 pic.twitter.com/iWNU5bFdZu
— #ACLElite & #ACLTwo (@TheAFCCL) November 24, 2020
Head-to-head
Friday’s tie will be the fourth meeting between the two sides.
ACL Group Stage 2020: Beijing FC 3 – 1 Victory at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium
ACL Group Stage 2010: Beijing FC 1 – 0 Victory at Workers Stadium
ACL Group Stage 2010: Victory 0 – 0 Beijing FC at Marvel Stadium
As it stands
A win for Melbourne would move it onto six points; joint with FC Seoul who would have a game in hand against Chiangrai United.
Another three points for Beijing would confirm its progression into the knockout stages.
Beijing FC maintain their perfect record and stay atop in Group E!#ACL2020 pic.twitter.com/WupZF4Yp3j
— #ACLElite & #ACLTwo (@TheAFCCL) November 25, 2020
Match details
Melbourne Victory v Beijing FC
Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Doha
Friday, November 27, 2020
Kick-off: 9.00pm AEDT
Broadcast: Fox Sports and Kayo Sport
Melbourne Victory squad: Matthew ACTON (gk), Aaron ANDERSON, Nick ANSELL, Jay BARNETT, Marko BULIC (gk), Jacob BUTTERFIELD, Jacob BRIMMER, Leigh BROXHAM, Max CROCOMBE (gk), Ben FOLAMI, Gianluca IANNUCCI, Elvis KAMSOBA, Birkan KIRDAR, Brandon LAUTON, Luis LAWRIE-LATTANZIO, So NISHIKAWA, Callum MCMANAMAN, Marco ROJAS, Storm ROUX, Dylan RYAN, Adama TRAORE, Joshua VARGA
Unavailable: Robbie KRUSE (knee), Rudy GESTEDE
