Melbourne City continued its unbeaten start to the Isuzu UTE A-League season on Friday night, playing out a 0–0 draw against Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium.
It was another strong defensive showing from Aurelio Vidmar’s side, who dominated large periods of possession and created a handful of good chances, but were ultimately left frustrated not to take all three points from a wet and slippery contest.
Team News
Aurelio Vidmar made just one change to his starting XI from last weekend’s win over Perth Glory, with skipper Aziz Behich sidelined due to a minor hamstring niggle.
That opened the door for a historic moment, as 16-year-old Besian Kutleshi became the youngest player ever to start an A-League Men’s match for the Club. The composed defender looked comfortable from the opening whistle, holding his own against a physical Brisbane outfit.
There was further positive news on the bench, with Andrew Nabbout named in a City matchday squad for the first time in almost 12 months after completing his rehab from a serious ACL injury. Young defender Peter Antoniou was also included in an ALM matchday squad for the first time.
Starting XI: 1. Patrick BEACH (GK), 44. Besian KUTLESHI, 22. Germán FERREYRA, 4. Liam BONETIG, 13. Nathaniel ATKINSON, 27. Kai TREWIN, 7. Mathew LECKIE (C), 30. Andreas KUEN, 20. Ben MAZZEO, 10. Takeshi KANAMORI, 17. Max CAPUTO.
Substitutes: 33. Dakota OCHSENHAM (GK), 15. Andrew NABBOUT, 19. Zane SCHREIBER, 34. Jayden NECOVSKI, 37. Peter ANTONIOU, 39. Emin DURAKOVIC, 47. Kavian RAHMANI.
What happened?
City looked bright in the early exchanges, controlling possession and showing plenty of composure in build-up play despite the slick Suncorp surface. Kutleshi settled quickly into the contest, producing several tidy touches and confident defensive interventions in the opening minutes.
While City enjoyed the majority of first-half possession, clear-cut chances were limited. Mathew Leckie came closest just before half-time, forcing a sharp save from Dean Bouzanis with a powerful effort from the edge of the area.
The skipper’s night ended at the break – cameras later showing ice applied to his hamstring during the second half – with Zane Schreiber introduced in midfield.
City continued to push after the restart, creating a string of half-chances. Takeshi Kanamori and Ben Mazzeo both found themselves in good positions inside the box but couldn’t find the target, while Max Caputo saw a well-taken strike blocked in a crowded penalty area.
Vidmar’s side controlled the tempo for long spells and looked the more likely to find a breakthrough, though the final pass or finishing touch proved elusive.
There was a welcome sight for all City fans in the 74th minute as Andrew Nabbout entered the pitch, marking his first appearance in almost exactly a year after recovering from his ACL injury. The experienced winger immediately injected energy into City’s attack and linked up well down the right-hand side.
At the other end, Patrick Beach had to remain alert throughout, confidently claiming a number of dangerous crosses and showing good awareness to come off his line on multiple occasions. Germán Ferreyra also made a crucial block late in the piece to deny a rare Brisbane chance, helping City secure a clean sheet on the road.
Young defender Peter Antoniou was handed his A-League debut in the 81st minute, rounding off a night full of milestones for City’s Academy graduates.
What’s next?
City will now turn our attention back to AFC Champions League Elite action, flying to Japan on Saturday ahead of Tuesday’s crucial clash with Machida Zelvia.
Upon returning home, all eyes will be on the first Melbourne Derby of the season, with City set to host Melbourne Victory in what promises to be another blockbuster encounter at AAMI Park.
