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Victory prevail in GF rematch

Melbourne Victory have handed Sydney FC their first loss of the season with an epic 4-2 win in a classic grand final rematch.

And it was Victory attacker Kosta Barbarouses who came off the bench to break the deadlock with a poacher’s goal in the 68th minute.

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In front of a vocal crowd of 15,947 – including former Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink – Victory midfielder Gui Finkler’s shot had been deflected by Mickael Tavares, but Barbarouses was perfectly placed to fire past Sydney goalkeeper Vedran Janjetovic.

The New Zealand international had only arrived in Sydney on the day of the game after being a late withdrawal from the All Whites’ match against Oman.

His game-turning goal came in the middle of a second half dominated by the home side, who failed to put away numerous chances to at least take away a share of the points at a wet Allianz Stadium.

Sydney were twice denied by the woodwork in the 60th minute, when Shane Smeltz’ header found pine at one post and then Matthew Jurman’s volley hit the other.

As Sydney surged forward in search of a late equaliser, Victory striker Besart Berisha sealed the win with an expert finish in the 93rd minute and complete his double.

Filip Holosko had earlier given the hosts the lead in just the 5th minute when he neatly finished off a determined run from left back Alex Gersbach.

The Olyroos representative left two defenders in his wake before finding the Sydney marquee in the six-yard box.

It didn’t take long for Melbourne’s own main man, Berisha, to respond when he turned Jacques Faty and then fired from outside the box past the outstretched hands of Janjetovic.

There was momentary confusion when the sideline official queried Leigh Broxham’s loitering in an offside position, but referee Chris Beath awarded the goal.

Melbourne goalkeeper Danny Vukovic pulled out a strong stop of Smeltz’ low shot, but failed to parry it away from Alex Brosque, who followed through from close range in the 20th minute.

Both sides continued to trade blows in the high-tempo first half, and it was Finkler’s goal of the match that levelled the scores at the break.

Minutes after Mickael Tavares had received a yellow card for two fouls in as many minutes, Finkler drove past Janjetevic at an acute angle to beat him at his near post.

– AAP

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