Melbourne City extended our unbeaten run in Asia to six matches on Wednesday night but were forced to settle for a share of the points, playing out a goalless draw with Gangwon FC at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.
On the final Matchday of the AFC Champions League Elite League Stage, City enjoyed the better of the opportunities across the 90 minutes, particularly in a strong first-half showing, but ultimately couldn’t find a way past a resolute Gangwon defence. The result sees City finish fifth on the East Region table, confirming a Round of 16 meeting with Buriram United, with the first leg set to be played at home in early March.
Team News
With qualification to the knockout stages already secured heading into the fixture, Aurelio Vidmar opted to freshen up his starting XI, making three changes as City balanced continental duties with an eye on domestic commitments later in the week.
Kavian Rahmani was handed his first start since returning from a knee injury sustained in early January, while Harry Shillington and Samuel Souprayen both came into the defensive line. As a result, Marcus Younis, Harrison Delbridge and Nathaniel Atkinson were named among the substitutes as City rotated its squad for the final League Stage outing.
Starting XI: 1. Patrick BEACH (GK), 36. Harry SHILLINGTON, 22. Germán FERREYRA, 26. Samuel SOUPRAYEN, 16. Aziz BEHICH (C), 8. Ryan TEAGUE, 21. Alessandro LOPANE, 30. Andreas KUEN, 35. Medin MEMETI, 47. Kavian RAHMANI, 17. Max CAPUTO.
Substitutes: 40. James NIEUWENHUIZEN (GK), 2. Harrison DELBRIDGE, 4. Liam BONETIG, 13. Nathaniel ATKINSON, 14. Daniel ARZANI, 19. Zane SCHREIBER, 20. Ben MAZZEO, 28. Marcus YOUNIS, 37. Peter ANTONIOU, 39. Emin DURAKOVIC, 41. Lawrence WONG, 44. Besian KUTLESHI.
What happened?
City began the contest with intent, earning the first corner of the night inside five minutes before applying early pressure through a series of set-pieces from wide areas. While clear-cut chances were initially hard to come by, we gradually grew into the game and began to assert control through midfield.
The first shot on target arrived midway through the opening half when Medin Memeti intercepted in a promising position and unleashed a half-volley from outside the area, though it was comfortably gathered by Gangwon goalkeeper Chung-Hyo Park.
As the half wore on, the midfield trio of Andreas Kuen, Ryan Teague and Alessandro Lopane combined neatly, helping City edge the battle in the middle of the park.
City came closest to breaking the deadlock late in the half when Lopane produced a moment of real quality, weaving past defenders on the edge of the box before firing a powerful effort toward the top corner. Park was equal to the task, producing an outstanding save to keep the scores level.
Moments later, Memeti was released one-on-one following a perfectly weighted pass from Kuen, but his effort was again denied as the visitors survived a nervy end to the half.
Emin Durakovic was introduced at the break as City continued to probe after halftime, though the second period proved more cagey. Both sides traded spells of possession without creating significant chances in the opening stages, as the tempo dipped compared to the first half.
Gangwon threatened briefly in the 73rd minute when a dangerous effort was deflected behind by Germán Ferreyra, while City responded with a swift counterattack soon after. Kuen found space on the edge of the area and forced a sharp low save, once again denied by an inspired performance from the visiting goalkeeper.
Despite City pushing late in search of a winner, neither side could manufacture a decisive moment, and the contest eventually finished scoreless, reflecting a tight and disciplined affair.
What’s next?
With the League Stage now complete, City turn our attention to a historic Round of 16 clash against Buriram United, with the two-legged tie to be played across early-to-mid March.
Before continental football resumes, focus shifts back to domestic matters, with the third and final Melbourne Derby of the season awaiting this weekend as City look to carry momentum back into the Isuzu UTE A-League. Don’t miss it – click here to get tickets!
