In a dramatic affair, Western United have booked their place in the A-League Men’s grand final, recording a stunning 4-1 victory over the Melbourne Victory.
Having finished tenth last season, the fairy tale season for United continues, with John Aloisi’s men making the grand final for the first time in the club’s short history.
The game would take an interesting turn early. Behind on aggregate, United scored the opening goal of the contest through Serbian target man Aleksandar Prijovic in the 18th minute.
On the back foot, it would spark the Victory who dominate the rest of the half, and after a flurry of chances they’d finally find the net in the 37th minute, courtesy of a Jake Brimmer free kick.
There’d be more drama to follow before half time, VAR denying Victory a penalty after Roderick Miranda was brought down by Joshua Risdon in the box.
Shortly after Dylan Wenzel-Halls thought he’d scored on the verge of half time to put United ahead again, but was ruled offside.
With scores locked at one all at half time, Prijovic would nudge his side ahead again, scoring minutes into the second half. He’d later involved again, setting up Lachlan Wales who’d complete the comeback, scoring from the centre of the box in the 78th minute.
In stoppage time, Wenzel-Halls put the icing on the cake as United recording its most remarkable win in club history. Surviving a wrath of Victory late changes, Western now have the chance to add their piece of silverware in club history.
Key Takeaways:
WESTERN’S INCREDIBLE RUN CONTINUES
Following an underwhelming 2020-21 campaign, Western United’s stunning season continues, clinching a spot in next week’s grand final.
Under new manager John Aloisi and fielding a new-look squad, United have been one of the surprise packets of the season, far exceeding expectations of pundits this season.
Having booked their spot in the big dance, they’d be hopeful their season can culminate being crowned as champions next week.
COMETH THE MOMENT, COMETH THE PRIJOVIC
A goal down coming into the second leg, United needed a hero to reverse the deficit, and they got one in Aleksandar Prijovic.
The Serbian was an ultimate opportunist, scoring the opening goal of the game to lift the spirits of his side, levelling the scores on aggregate. And when his side went behind on aggregate, he’d respond in the second half, scoring a second goal to help get his team over the level.
He’d cap off a masterful display by playing a clever ball for Wales to score the winning goal.
Having been instrumental for United in his first season with the club, tonight’s semi final performance was his best.
HISTORIC UNITED WIN
Though they haven’t been in the league for long, the win against rivals Melbourne Victory will live long in the memories of United fans, with the club recording arguably its greatest ever win.
12 months prior, United were on the verge of embarking in a massive reset, with the gamble to reshape the squad and bring in John Aloisi as manager paying off.
Against the odds, down on aggregate and playing in front of a hostile atmosphere, United pulled one of the stunning victories of the season.
FINAL SCORE:
A-League Men Semi-Final Leg 2, AAMI Park
Melbourne Victory 1 (Brimmer 37m)
Western United 4 (Prijovic 18m 49′, Wales 78m, Wenzel-Halls 90+9m)
How did the managers react?
John Aloisi – Western United
“It was a crazy game because [things like this], it happens when it’s home and away…you know there’s moments that will change the game and we knew were still in the tie after the first leg,” Aloisi said.
“We spoke about it…where we could hurt them, the opportunities that we could create and where they can try and hurt you.”
Tony Popovic – Melbourne Victory
“It’s a feeling of disappointment of course, disappointment that we’re not going through,” Popovic said.
“We had a lot of different moments there that could’ve changed the outcome but it wasn’t to be. They took their moments well.”
