A-League
Fornaroli Sparks Melbourne Victory’s 3-1
Melbourne Victory soared to second place in the Isuzu UTE A-League after a commanding 3-1 win over Western United at AAMI Park. A dynamic performance, capped by a stunning goal from substitute Bruno Fornaroli, underscored the team’s growing form this season.
Early Dominance by Victory
Victory wasted no time asserting their dominance, opening the scoring in the 8th minute. French midfielder Zinedine Machach found space inside the box thanks to Daniel Arzani’s incisive pass and unleashed a thunderous strike into the top corner, leaving Western keeper Matt Sutton helpless.
However, Western United struck back in the 19th minute when Noah Botic capitalized on a defensive lapse to fire a powerful left-footed shot past Jack Duncan, leveling the scoreline against the run of play.
Vergos Restores the Lead
The second half saw Melbourne reclaim control just three minutes after the restart. Nikos Vergos combined brilliantly with Machach before delivering a tight-angle shot that slipped through Sutton’s legs, putting Victory ahead 2-1. Despite a valiant effort by Western’s defense, Vergos’ decisive play exemplified Victory’s attacking intent.
Fornaroli’s Magic Seals the Win
Fresh off the bench, veteran striker Bruno Fornaroli made an immediate impact in the 69th minute. Receiving a pinpoint diagonal ball from midfielder Valadon, Fornaroli curled a sublime right-footed effort into the far corner, marking his 108th A-League goal and cementing Victory’s lead.
Western United’s Struggles Continue
The defeat extends Western United’s inconsistent run, leaving them 10th on the ladder with just four points from six matches. Despite moments of brilliance—including a venomous strike from Matthew Grimaldi that rattled the post—Western’s inability to capitalize on opportunities proved costly.
Head coach John Aloisi voiced his frustrations post-match, criticizing his side’s defensive lapses and lack of effort. “You can lose a game, but not like that,” he remarked. “We need to show more fight, especially in midfield, where we were losing every second ball.”
Looking Ahead
For Melbourne Victory, the result marks their fourth win of the season, a testament to their strong squad depth and attacking prowess. Western United, meanwhile, will aim to regroup ahead of their next clash against Macarthur Bulls, with Aloisi emphasizing the need for improved discipline and effort.
