Talking Points: Melbourne Victory 1(4) Juventus 1(3)

Melbourne Victory have taken out the first of three International Champions Cup matches in Melbourne, defeating Juventus on penalties 4-3 after the match was tied a goal apiece after regulation time. 

Lawrence Thomas made a string of impressive saves to give Victory the ascendancy, with Stefano Padovan missing the decisive penalty.

The underwhelming crowd collectively rose to their feet in the 58th minute, after little known Juventus defender Carlos Blanco Moreno stunned Victory keeper Lawrence Thomas with 50-yard wonder-goal.

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Player Ratings: Melbourne Victory 1(4) Juventus 1(3)

Talking Points: Melbourne Victory 1(4) Juventus 1(3)

How the fans reacted to a poor turnout between Victory and Juventus

A moment that breathed some life into what was largely a soulless affair at the MCG, with 23, 174 in attendance.

The meagre crowd were on their feet again as Jai Ingham’s late equaliser sent the match to a penalty shootout finish, with the Victory taking the honours.

Here are our talking points:

People will know Carlos Blanco Moreno’s name now

It was an hour in the making, but Blanco’s David Beckham-esque opener was a sight to behold. Bearing in mind the Spaniard is a central defender, Blanco completely outwitted Thomas in goal with a superb lob that roared at least 50 yards.

Not a bad goal from @juventusfcen‘s Blanco Moreno to open proceedings… #ICCVICJUVpic.twitter.com/9YksTK29T5

— Outside90 (@Outside90) July 23, 2016

Yet to make an appearance for Juventus, the highly-rated 20-year-old hails from Barcelona’s famed academy and may well have just seen his stocks rise in the Old Lady squad. Remember the name, Carlos Blanco Moreno.

Listen to the fans…

23, 174.

There is no doubting that it was a horrible result from all angles. From a broadcast point of view, a promotional aspect and even for the players, to be playing in what ending up being a cavernous MCG, it was a huge disappointment. With ticket prices ranging between $40-100, the lure of the Old Lady was not enough to bring the huge Italian community in Melbourne to the ‘G’, after Juve had only toured the country three years earlier in 2013. To make matters worse, an underwhelming Old Lady squad (new signing Miralem Pjanic remained on the bench) coupled by the freezing conditions compounded the walk-up numbers for ticket sales, which may have been higher. To think back 12 months and Real Madrid vs Roma drawing 80,000, it certainly was a stark contrast but nonetheless, we look forward to Tuesday as Juventus take on Tottenham. 

The non-broadcast side not looking particularly good from a crowd standpoint… #ICCVICJUV pic.twitter.com/ndztFJVXLe

— Outside90 (@Outside90) July 23, 2016

Mitch Austin a fine acquisition for Melbourne Victory 

Despite the drab affair, the Man of the Match debut for former Central Coast Mariner Mitch Austin in navy blue was very impressive. Lasting the full 90 minutes, the left-sided flyer marauded down the touch-line with purpose, looking to cross at every chance, a facet the Victory lacked last season. Let down by presence in the box for a couple of his delightful deliveries, Austin will no doubt form a strong bond with talisman Besart Berisha. Fitting in well win Kevin Muscat’s system, Austin proved a handful for the youthful Juve defence, with his pace and strength as a taller winger particularly there to see. One to watch for Victory fans this season.

Tickets still available for the remaining matches! Go to – Bit.ly/ICCMelb