Melbourne City was left to rue missed chances on Sunday night, forced to settle for a point in a frustrating 1-1 draw away to Perth Glory.
Despite controlling large periods of the contest and taking a deserved first-half lead through Daniel Arzani, City was denied all three points in disappointing fashion as Adam Taggart struck in stoppage time to earn the hosts a late equaliser.
Team News
Aurelio Vidmar was forced into one change from the side that defeated Sydney FC midweek, with Andreas Kuen unavailable due to suspension.
That opened the door for Elbasan Rashani to make his first start of 2026, while Arzani shifted into a more central attacking role. There was also a welcome return on the bench, with Andrew Nabbout named in the matchday squad for the first time in two months following a calf injury.
Starting XI: 1. Patrick BEACH (GK), 13. Nathaniel ATKINSON, 22. Germán FERREYRA, 26. Samuel SOUPRAYEN, 16. Aziz BEHICH (C), 8. Ryan TEAGUE,47. Kavian RAHMANI, 14. Daniel ARZANI, 28. Marcus YOUNIS, 11. Elbasan RASHANI, 17. Max CAPUTO.
Substitutes: 40. James NIEUWENHUIZEN (GK), 2. Harrison DELBRIDGE, 15. Andrew NABBOUT, 19. Zane SCHREIBER, 35. Medin MEMETI, 36. Harry SHILLINGTON, 39. Emin DURAKOVIC.
What happened?
City was tested almost immediately, with former City Championship winner Stefan Colakovski forcing Patrick Beach into a sharp save inside the opening minute after a quick Perth break.
The early warning signs were short-lived though, as City quickly settled into the contest and began to assert control. Marcus Younis was heavily involved in the early stages, creating a chance for Rashani in the third minute, although the winger couldn’t direct his header on target.
City continued to build momentum, with Kavian Rahmani going close in the 14th minute, unleashing a powerful strike that looked destined for the top corner before a strong save from Matt Sutton denied him. Samuel Souprayen then followed up moments later with a fierce half-volley from distance, again forcing the Perth goalkeeper into action.
The breakthrough arrived in the 21st minute, and it was a moment of real quality. Rahmani’s early delivery into the box found Arzani, who showed excellent composure to weave past defenders before calmly finishing into the far corner with his left foot.
City remained in control following the opener and looked the more likely to strike again before the break. A slick attacking move in the 42nd minute saw Arzani pick out Younis, whose header fell into the path of Caputo, but the striker could only send his effort narrowly wide with Sutton closing him down.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with City continuing to dictate play and create chances. A well-worked short corner in the 55th minute nearly doubled the lead, as Arzani’s floated delivery found Younis, but his header drifted just past the post.
Behich then delivered an inviting cross minutes later, with Caputo rising strongly between two defenders, only to see his header sail just over the bar.
Vidmar turned to his bench midway through the half, introducing Emin Durakovic and Harry Shillington as City looked to maintain energy and control. However, as the game wore on, Perth began to grow into the contest and apply increasing pressure.
Taggart came close in the 80th minute, glancing a header narrowly wide, before Beach produced a pair of outstanding saves to preserve City’s lead, including a brilliant point-blank stop to deny the Glory captain.
City still threatened on the counter, with Durakovic forcing a save from range in the 88th minute before Younis followed up, only to be denied again by Sutton.
But just as it looked as though City would see the game out, Perth struck a late blow. In the first minute of stoppage time, Taggart found space in the box and converted to level the scores, leaving City with a share of the points in what was a bitterly disappointing finish.
What’s next?
City will now have an opportunity to regroup during the international break before returning to action at home on Saturday 4 April against Western Sydney Wanderers.
Don’t miss our return to Melbourne – secure your tickets now.
