Bruno Fornaroli lead his side into the second week of finals, scoring two spectacular goals for Melbourne City in a 2-0 win over Perth Glory at AAMI Park.
It was a fiercely contested match from the start, with both sides showing full-blooded commitment to every challenge. Fornaroli thought he had opened the scoring for City in the 18th minute after firing past Ante Covic, but the effort was correctly ruled out for an offside Nick Fitzgerald obstructing the goalkeeper’s vision.
City were on top of the visiting side in the first half and found the lead in the closing minutes as Fornaroli produced a brilliant bicycle kick for his 24th goal of the season.
Perth came out fighting in the second half, dominating possession and constantly probing at the City defence for a breakthrough. Gyorgy Sandor had the best chance for Kenny Lowe’s side, but the Hungarian flashed his shot well wide of the goal.
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The home side rebuffed the Glory pressure though and found themselves two in front in the 76th minute thanks to star striker Fornaroli. The Uruguayan curled a free-kick over the wall and past a lunging Ante Covic for his 25th goal in just 28 games for City.
Perth pushed for an equaliser, but City’s defence proved strong enough to secure a clean sheet and a meeting with Adelaide United on Friday for a place in the grand final.
Here are some of the best reactions from Twitter:
Pretty terrible turnout for an elimination final #MCYvPER
— Gianluca Filosi (@GianlucaFilosi) April 17, 2016
#DressLikeAGreenSeatDay #MCYvPER
— Jason Allen (@JasonJFT96) April 17, 2016
Thank you, blessed offside rule. #MCYvPER #ALFinals
— Simon Vin (@rithmaster) April 17, 2016
Good decision by the referee there and correct interpretation of the offside rules for a change. #MCYvPER
— Graham (@graham_large) April 17, 2016
Sensational overhead goal by who else Bruno Fornaroli and @MelbourneCity go 1-up over @PerthGloryFC 40min. Goal No.24 this season, #MCYvPER
— Robert Smith (@OnyaDon) April 17, 2016
Fornaroli you are not of this world #MCYvPER
— Brady (@bradydotnet) April 17, 2016
Befitting really. Took a real touch of class to break this deadlock. Who else but Fornaroli. Just class. #MCYvPER #ALeagueFinals
— Robert Grasso (@RobertGrasso) April 17, 2016
I've decided my first born Son will be named Bruno if it's a girl Fornaroli #ALFinals #MCYvPER @MelbourneCity #together
— Shiellsy (@chadnotweet) April 17, 2016
Stop it Bruno. Incredible! #ALFinals #MCYvPER
— Dan Howe (@howedan) April 17, 2016
Awesome season by @PerthGloryFC you did our state proud. Bring on 2017. Good luck to @MelbourneCity – Fornaroli is a gun #MCYvPER #ALFinals
— Peter Katsambanis (@PeterKatMLC) April 17, 2016
Andy Keogh's contribution tonight – 2 avoidable offsides. Glory needed much more #MCYvPER
— David Jack (@DavidJack20) April 17, 2016
Glory undone by brilliance of one player. Great advertisement for the @ALeague and skilful football #Fornaroli #ALeagueFinals #MCYvPER
— Robert Grasso (@RobertGrasso) April 17, 2016
City do the job. Glory can bow out with heads high. Vinnie #MCYvPER
— Four Diegos (@fourdiegos) April 17, 2016
Perth didn't show up when it counted, Melbourne City on the other hand did. Next week will be very be very interesting. #MCYvPER #ALFinals
— William Caldwell (@Will_Caldwell10) April 17, 2016
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