A solitary goal from defender Nick Ansell saw Melbourne Victory claim memorable a 1-0 International Champions Cup triumph over Atletico Madrid this afternoon.
The smooth passing and slick movement of the Spanish giants seemed to be overwhelming the men in navy blue at first, although without their star forwards Atletico struggled to find targets up front from the outset. After controlling the momentum of the match for much of the early going Diego Simeone’s men would fall behind on the stroke of halftime though, as Ansell pounced on some loose marking in the box to head home a free-kick from close-range.
Taking the advantage seemed to fill the hosts with confidence as the Victory gelled much better in the second-half, able to hold possession and even press forward against the visitors. Atletico’s best chances were generated down the wing by Amath Ndiaye but Lawrence Thomas was ready for any danger, while Stefan Nigro forced a near-post save from Jon Oblak after an impressive solo charge through the penalty area.
Here are the best reactions to come from Twitter after the result:
Clearly we should be playing European Champions League, not ACL… #MVFC #VICATM
— Hutch (@ProfessorHutch) July 31, 2016
💪 VICTORY 💪 #VICATM #ICC2016 #ArmInArm
— Stefan Zriek (@Zriek23) July 31, 2016
First Juve now Atleti. They're only friendlies but well done to the mighty Melbourne Victory. A win is a win. #MVFC #VICATM @gomvfc
— Luke Foley (@LukeAFoley) July 31, 2016
Pick of the pre-season matches so far for MVFC. Atletico were pressing well #VICATM
— Jacob (@Oswald29Pele) July 31, 2016
I don't care that it's preseason but we just bet Juventus and Altetico Madrid across 1 week. Very promising signs! @gomvfc #VICATM
— TΛNNER COAD 🇦🇺 (@Tanner_Coad19) July 31, 2016
Really impressive second half from victory, some of the youngsters look really promising! #VICATM #mvfc
— Craig Sheen (@craigsheen) July 31, 2016
Good to see the @gomvfc kids have a crack. The future is bright #VICATM
— Ryan (@rk_ryz) July 31, 2016
Lawrence Thomas, what a machine! 💪 #VICATM #MVFC
— Andrew (@AndrewHopkins15) July 31, 2016
What a great win! #VICATM #MVFC proud to be a victory supporter☺️💚
— Amelia Calla (Milly) (@millycalla) July 31, 2016
@atletienglish @gomvfc good game, obviously you’re very welcome back in Melbourne at anytime. #VICATM
— Luke Gaskett (@zeboy85) July 31, 2016
2 from 2 at #ICCMelb. Pretty happy with that. Onwards to the FFA Cup @gomvfc #VICATM
— Jake Bawden (@vibesonthefloor) July 31, 2016
Pre season:@juventusfcen ✔️@atletienglish ✔️
Next up, @NewcastleJetsFC. #VICATM #MVFC
— Victory Stats (@VictoryStats) July 31, 2016
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