Melbourne Victory have kept their hopes alive for a home elimination final after a thrilling 2-0 victory over Western Sydney at Commbank Stadium.
Following a first half with few significant opportunities, Santos and Nikos Vergos struck in the second half, securing a crucial three points for the Victory.
In the opening half, it was Melbourne’s Jack Warshawsky who was busier between the sticks, making three vital saves, including a notable stop against Brandon Borrello from inside the box.
Denis Genreau had the closest chance of the first half, nearly scoring with a long-range lob that just grazed the crossbar, while Wanderers keeper Jordan Holmes was caught off guard trying to stop a Santos effort.
Unfortunately for the Victory, the ball thumped off the post and Anthony Pantazopoulos was swift to clear the danger.
Youngster Atiya Waraga seemed to have put the ball in the net following a delivery from Bozhidar Kraev that ended up slipping past both Borrello and Jason Davidson. However, a VAR check deemed the goal offside.
Melbourne took the lead in the 71st minute when Santos capitalised on a slip from Angus Thurgate, seizing the ball in his own half before sprinting downfield to slot it past Holmes at the near post.
A concerning moment occurred in the 75th minute when Alex Gersbach collapsed after taking a ball to the face from close range.
The groggy Wanderers defender required immediate substitution due to a suspected concussion.
As the Wanderers pressed for an equaliser, frustration mounted, with Ryan Fraser and Dylan Scicluna both hitting the woodwork in quick succession in the 85th minute.
Vergos, who was brought on as a late substitute, quickly doubled Melbourne’s lead, his shot deflecting off Nathan Barrie in an attempted block, wrong-footing the keeper.
This victory elevates the Victory to third place for the time being, but their positioning is precarious, as results from the Adelaide vs Melbourne City match could see them drop to fourth. A win for Sydney FC over Auckland FC tomorrow could push them down further to fifth.
This match also signals the end of Western Sydney’s season and marks Gary van Egmond’s last game in charge as Wanderers manager.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
Melbourne Victory goal: Santos 71′
Melbourne Victory goal: Vergos 92′
WHAT THEY SAID
Compiled by SportArena.au
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