Melbourne Victory usurped Brisbane at the top of the A-League table, after a routine 2-1 win against Adelaide United at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Adelaide’s winless season extended to eight matches as the reigning champions consigned more pressure on the South Australian outfit in what was an impetuous contest.
Besart Berisha nonchalantly dispatched his penalty to score his first goal against the Reds in a Victory shirt, after Jason Geria was obstructed by Jordan Elsey inside the area.
The hosts then doubled its lead on the half-hour mark when Eugene Galekovic was unable to parry away Oliver Bozanic’s curling free-kick.
The stadium’s atmosphere was also conspicuously placid, when Melbourne’s active supporter group, North Terrace left the venue in protest against the FFA’s decision not to implement an appeals process for the 198 banned fans.
Marcelo Carrusca expertly slotted a late penalty in an improved second-half, however, it was nothing more than a consolation, as the visitors have not defeated Kevin Muscat’s men since 2013 – a barren run now stretching to 8 domestic matches.
The result means United remain rooted to the bottom of the ladder, while Melbourne provisionally move into first place with a game in hand.
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