The Melbourne Victory lost 4-1 to Juventus last night. Two late goals left Melbourne with a disappointing scoreline, despite the Victory managing to contain the Italians for most of 90 minutes.
In truth, it was a rather pedestrian performance by both sides. Juventus, consisting largely of B-team players, did not appear particularly driven, although it still kept Melbourne on the back foot for most of the match. The Victory did enjoy a fair share of possession, but struggled to convert possession to chances.
Juventus’ goals were clinical and opportunistic.
Compare that with Carlos Hernández’ equaliser, a beautiful strike from outside the penalty area, the kind of shot we dreamed of when the Costa Rican was first signed. The goal, his second in two matches, is an encouraging sign that Hernández is rapidly returning to form.
I went prepared to see Melbourne lose (I said as much yesterday), but I wasn’t prepared for the level of hostility directed towards the Victory from spectators around me. Several people around me were clearly not just there to witness one of the world’s legendary clubs in action; they were also there to ridicule the Victory. There’s something very odd about being in your home stadium listening to people take pleasure in everything your side’s players do wrong.
Kevin, an MVFC Blog reader, wrote me earlier today commenting on the lack of atmosphere at the game. He asked: “Where were the Blue & White Brigade and their flags and drums or the Juve army with theirs?”
I agree with Kevin. It was an odd affair last night. I was glad – as I always am – to see some of the youngsters given a good run (Nathan Elasi had a good half, I thought), but the game didn’t really come to life until Hernández fired in Melbourne’s equaliser. That broke things open for a while, but injuries to Hernández, Thompson, and the penalty for Juventus again stole the game’s spirit.
Anyway, enough of me being pessimistic. Anyone got something positive to say?
