Victory beats Juventus on penalties at MCG

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Melbourne Victory has come from behind to defeat Juventus 4-3 on penalties in the opening game of the 2016 International Champions Cup Australia.

The scores were locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, with Jai Ingham scoring in the 83rd minute to cancel out Carlos Blanco Moreno’s long-range strike early in the second half.

Lawrence Thomas saved two penalties in the shootout, denying Stefano Padovan with a low block to his right to seal a memorable win.

Victory unveiled five new faces throughout the match, with James Donachie, Mitch Austin, Alan Baro, Sebastian Pasquali and Josh Hope representing the club for the first time.

Sixteen-year-old Pasquali stole the show in the second half, getting involved in the build-up to Ingham’s goal and slotting a penalty in the shootout.

Austin was impressive throughout and was named man of the match for his performance on the left flank.

There were some half-chances for both sides in the first half, with Juventus forward Paolo Dybala and Victory striker Besart Berisha each coming close to breaking the deadlock.

Blanco’s brilliant lob of Thomas after 58 minutes looked like it would be enough for the Bianconeri to seal a 1-0 win, before Ingham’s calm finish levelled proceedings and sent the game to penalties.

Goals

Carlos Blanco Moreno (58′): It took a brilliant long-range strike from Blanco to open the scoring. The substitute chested down a ball cleared from the Victory defence on the halfway line, looked up and flighted a pinpoint shot over the head of Lawrence Thomas.

Jai Ingham (83′): Ingham provided a classy finish across the Juventus goalkeeper after a fine attacking move from Victory. A passing chain involving Pasquali and Carl Valeri set Ingham free inside the 18-yard box, and he made no mistake with his right foot.

Result

Melbourne Victory 1 (Ingham 83′)
Juventus 1 (Blanco 58′)
Victory won 4-3 on penalties

Next up for Victory is a tour match against Atletico Madrid at Geelong’s Simonds Stadium on Sunday, July 31. Tickets are available here.

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