Brisbane Roar have won their third A-League championship in dramatic fashion, with a 2-1 extra-time win over the Western Sydney Wanderers at Lang Park.
Henrique scored the winning goal from close range in the 108th minute, capping off an incredible comeback from the home side that was ignited when Besart Berisha equalised with just five minutes of the 90 remaining.
After a scoreless first half it was Matthew Spiranovic’s 56th minute header from Shinji Ono’s corner that opened the scoring, as he netted his first A-League goal to send the travelling fans into delirium.
It looked as if this goal would be enough, but Berisha rose to meet a delicate Thomas Broich late free-kick, sending the ball into the back of Ante Covic’s net.
The Wanderers attacked desperately in the closing stages but could not force a penalty shootout, going down in their second consecutive grand final.
The 51,153 strong crowd was enthralled by a toughly fought match that brought about a number of yellow-cards and plenty of drama.
Brisbane Roar: 2 (Berisha 86′, Henrique 108′)
Western Sydney Wanderers: 1 (Spiranovic 56′)
source: abc.net.au
STUDIO 3 NEWCASTLE AUSTRALIA 