Melbourne Victory opened the 2020 AFC Champions League Group Stage with a 1-0 win over Chiangrai United on Tuesday night.
Ola Toivonen’s first half penalty proved to be the difference on Match Day 1 at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.
Summary
Victory had the better of the chances in the first half, with Ola Toivonen going the closest in the early stages of the game – forcing Apirak into a fine save with a curling effort from the left side of the box in the 22nd minute.
Just two minutes later, Toivonen would send the hosts ahead from the penalty spot after being fouled in the area off the ball.
The Swede’s goal was the difference at the break.
WATCH: Toivonen opens the scoring
.@OlaToivonen20 makes no mistake from the penalty spot #MELvCRU #ACL2020 @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/Ep1PlII7mF
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) February 11, 2020
15 minutes into the second half Storm Roux picked up an injury and was forced off, bringing Ben Carrigan into the match.
Elvis Kamsoba had the best chance in the second half, but his shot from close range flew over the bar after some nice work down the left side by Marco Rojas.
Victory held Chiangrai out until the final whistle to start its Champions League campaign with three points.
Result
2020 AFC Champions League Match Day 1
Melbourne Victory 1 (Toivonen 25′)
Chiangrai United 0
Melbourne Victory: Thomas (gk); Traore, Roux (Carrigan 62′), Donachie, Galifuocco, Lauton; Basha, Lesiotis (Barnett 59′); Nabbout (Rojas 72′), Toivonen (c), Kamsoba.
Chiangrai United: Apirak; Tanasak, Brinner, Chotipat, Suriya, Sarawut; Phitiwat, Yong Rae; Sivakorn, Bill, Chaiyawat.
Yellow cards: (Basha 15′, Gallifuoco 35′, Donachie 53′, Traore 58′, Lauton 75′)
Attendance: 4,156
Venue: Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
Next up
Victory travels to face FC Seoul on Match Day 2 of the 2020 AFC Champions League on Tuesday, February 18.
