Melbourne Victory took out the back to back reigning champions in a dominant Saturday Night display at AAMI Park.
The Central Coast Mariners travelled south to Melbourne to face Melbourne Victory in the Grand Final Rematch. The Mariners who have struggled with form this season were not able to matchup to a dominant Victory side who were coming off a 1-1 Draw against bottom-placed Brisbane Roar last weekend.
Two first half goals from Subway Socceroos pair Nishan Velupillay and Bruno Fornaroli gave Victory a 2-0 lead at the main break with Zindene Machach’s long range strike in the 90′ minute sealing the deal for Victory.
Victory’s win saw them boosted up to third on the table.
Victory were able to get their account started early inside nine minutes after 17-year-old Haine Eames was unable to control the ball at the top of the penalty box giving the ball straight to Socceroo Nishan Velupillay who took advantage and blasted it into the net.
Victory took more chances then usual with 24 shots on goal. Bruno Fornaroli nearly put Victory up 2-0 with a acrobatic kick in the 32′ minute but the 37-year-old was unable to convert but got his chance in the 41′ minute getting past the Mariners defence and getting into the back of the net.
MVP of the 2025 AFC Under-20 Asian Cup Alex Badaloto came on for Melbourne Victory just after the one hour mark replacing Daniel Arzani for his Melbourne Victory debut. Badaloto who is on loan from Western Sydney Wanderers seemed to fit into the group and almost making an assist to Victory Striker Santos.
Nishan Velupillay was able to put the icing on the cake in the 92′ minute with a long range strike that sent Victory fans jumping putting them up 3-0.
Melbourne Victory travel north to Parramatta to face Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday night which will be Top Corner’s Fixture Focus with both teams in great form wanting to make it into the tightest Top 6 in recent times.
Central Coast Mariners travel east and across the Tasman to face the new boys to the league Auckland FC on Sunday afternoon.
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