Jobaaj Stories
Melbourne Victory's Thrilling 5-3 Comeback Win Over Adelaide United
Melbourne Victory men secured a dramatic 5-3 victory over Adelaide United in a thrilling Isuzu Ute A-League clash at AAMI Park. The match, a rollercoaster of goals and controversial decisions, saw Victory come back from two separate deficits to claim an emphatic win and solidify their place in the top four.
A Back-and-Forth Battle
Four changes were made to Arthur Diles’ starting XI, including the Isuzu Ute A-League debut of Joshua Inserra. Adelaide United struck first through Jonny Yull's stunning long-range effort in the 12th minute. Victory responded swiftly, with Daniel Arzani equalizing in the 29th minute after a brilliant build-up involving Zinèdine Machach and Nishan Velupillay. Velupillay then put Victory ahead before halftime with a clever finish.
The second half saw Adelaide fight back. Archie Goodwin's header and Zach Clough's penalty put the Reds back in the lead at 3-2. However, a controversial penalty awarded to Victory after a VAR review, converted by Arzani, leveled the score again. Substitute Nikos Vergos then emerged as the unlikely hero, scoring two goals in the final minutes to secure the 5-3 win for Melbourne Victory.
Controversial Penalty and VAR Decision
The match was marked by a significant VAR decision. A challenge by Adelaide's Panagiotis Kikianis on Daniel Arzani in the penalty area initially resulted in no penalty call. However, after a review, the referee awarded a penalty to Victory, sparking debate and highlighting the complexities of VAR in football. Arzani converted the penalty, turning the tide of the game. Post-match interviews revealed differing opinions on whether the referee made the right call, adding another layer of drama to this intense encounter.
Post-Match Reactions and What's Next
Victory coach Arthur Diles praised his team's character and "killer instinct" displayed in their comeback victory. The win propelled Melbourne Victory into fourth place, setting the stage for an exciting end to the A-League season. Adelaide United, on the other hand, are left clinging to a playoff position after suffering their sixth consecutive game without a win.
Next up for Melbourne Victory is a bye round before facing Wellington Phoenix. Adelaide United hosts Sydney FC.
Match Details:
Melbourne Victory 5 (Arzani 29', 71', Velupillay 39', Vergos 88', 90') Adelaide United 3 (Yull 12', Goodwin 47', Clough 56')
