By Our Man Down Under
AUSTRALIA – MELBOURNE City delivered a brutal early knockout blow and a late dagger to seal a sensational 2-0 victory over Malaysian giants Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) last night, with the iconic Melbourne Rectangular Stadium acting as the perfect stage for the drama.
The home side, roared on by a vibrant Australian crowd beneath the stadium’s spectacular bubble roof, secured all three points in a crucial AFC Champions League clash.
The stadium, affectionately known as AAMI Park, was barely warmed up before Melbourne City seized the lead.
Academy graduate Max Caputo wasted no time, smashing home the opener in the 4th minute to send the atmospheric ground into raptures. It was a goal born of speed and precision, leaving JDT’s defence reeling and the Malaysian champions facing an uphill battle almost instantly.
The rest of the night was a tense, cagey affair as JDT battled to find an equaliser, but City’s backline held firm. The drama simmered right until the final whistle, with the famous Rectangular pitch witnessing one final moment of brilliance.
In the 92nd minute, as the Malaysian side pushed desperately forward, the young Medin Memeti secured the result.
With the clock ticking into stoppage time, Memeti struck the second goal, ensuring Melbourne City cemented their spot in the competition and sending the fans home ecstatic.
The result marks a major statement for the A-League side on the continental stage, with the brilliant floodlights of the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium illuminating a famous night of Australian football.
