Melbourne Victory have climbed to the top of the Isuzu UTE A-League standings after earning a 2-0 win over Adelaide United in the Original Rivalry.
Zinedine Machach broke the deadlock with 17 minutes remaining in Saturday night’s blockbuster clash at AAMI Park. Bruno Fornaroli then sealed the points with his 13th goal of the season in the final minute of regulation.
Both teams were greeted to a great atmosphere at AAMI Park, where the Northern Terrace were in full voice, while Adelaide fans travelled in strong numbers for the Original Rivalry.
It was end-to-end on the field, with Victory and the Reds creating chances throughout the first 45 minutes.
Adelaide had an early opportunity after Zach Clough released Luka Jovanovic down the flank and the latter delivered a ball into the box that was spilled by Paul Izzo, but the home side survived.
The woodwork prevented Victory from breaking the deadlock in the 17th minute when Roderick Miranda’s header hit the post.
Victory talisman Bruno Fornaroli and Adelaide’s Hiroshi Ibusuki both had half chances, while Jonny Yull caused plenty of problems for the home side in and around the penalty area.
With eight minutes before half-time, Adelaide and Socceroos goalkeeper Joe Gauci produced a stunning diving save – at full stretch – to keep out Daniel Arzani.
Victory started to turn the screw and they had the ball in the back of the net two minutes later as Fornaroli and the crowd celebrated, however, his sublime header was deemed offside.
As tensions simmered with each passing minute, Connor Chapman saw his goal-bound volley blocked 21 minutes from the end.
Victory finally breached Adelaide’s stubborn defence with 17 minutes remaining via Machach.
Velupillay’s mazing run through Adelaide’s defence was the architect as he picked out the fan favourite to fire home.
Moments later, Victory almost had a second goal but Damien Da Silva’s header was swatted away by Gauci.
Gauci’s outstretched left foot thwarted Velupillay five minutes from the end to keep Adelaide in the contest.
In the 90th minute, Fornaroli capped a fine run with a goal.
