Melbourne Victory 5-4 Western Sydney Wanderers: Strugglers hang on to win thriller

By Sports Desk April 23, 2021

Melbourne Victory moved off the bottom of the A-League standings with an astonishing 5-4 win over Western Sydney Wanderers.

Playing under interim boss Steve Kean for the first time, Victory were ahead in the 14th minute through Ben Folami's first goal in Australia's top flight, with Storm Roux heading home Jake Brimmer's left-wing corner to double their advantage.

James Troisi reduced the arrears for Wanderers by hammering in via the crossbar, but Folami had his second in first-half stoppage time – a pinpoint Brimmer delivery and appalling Western Sydney marking again factors.

Brimmer saw a 63rd-minute penalty saved by Daniel Margush, who was let down again from the resulting corner as Dylan Ryan scored.

Jacob Butterfield then clattered in a brilliant long-range effort, meaning Graham Dorrans' 76th-minute spot-kick looked little more than a consolation.

Mitchell Duke converted Troisi's cross and substitute Nicolai Muller got in on the act, but Kean's men held on.

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    New head coach Luis de la Fuente named a somewhat unfamiliar squad ahead of their two opening Euro 2024 qualifiers as he began his tenure after replacing Luis Enrique.

    Joselu's call-up was long overdue in the eyes of many, given he had reached double figures for LaLiga goals in each of the previous three seasons.

    He was introduced at La Rosaleda in the second half with Spain stuttering unconvincingly towards a 1-0 win, but he scored twice to put the game to bed.

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    "The truth is that I still don't believe it," he told TVE. "This is everything a player can have and in the end, the daily work has had its reward.

    "I think I would especially like to thank my wife and my children, and my mother, who have come here today.

    "The truth is that I am not believing it."

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    The striker subsequently paid tribute to De la Fuente for giving him the opportunity.

    "I thank him for everything, being here, trusting me, being on the first list," he said.

    "I think I have responded more than enough.

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    "Knowing the players and giving them confidence is our job, but all the credit belongs to him," De la Fuente said of Joselu. 

    "We have recognised the great work he does every day at his club and I am happy for him and for everyone else."

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    Having just denied Matthias Ginter, Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese could not keep out Fullkrug's crisp finish after Havertz had chested the ball into the striker's path.

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