Melbourne City kick off A-League title defence with win over Brisbane Roar

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:02 am
Melbourne City scored a 2-1 win despite their prolific front three not finding the scoresheet.
Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Melbourne City survived a late scare against Brisbane Roar as they kicked off their A-League title defence with a 2-1 win.

City started forward Mathew Leckie, despite his recent heavy workload during Australia's two recent World Cup qualifiers, along with Jamie Maclaren and Andrew Nabbout at AAMI Park on Friday night.

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City dominated possession early, and Maclaren spurned a golden opportunity to open his account in the 26th minute when he got on the end of Nabbout's compelling through ball but dragged his shot wide.

Brisbane had their own big chance on 31 minutes when Nikola Mileusnic forced a good save from Tom Glover before City cleared away the subsequent goalmouth scramble.

None of the three attackers managed to get on the scoreboard, but City broke through Brisbane's resolute defensive block through Curtis Good in the 40th minute, with Connor Metcalfe adding a second shortly after.

Brisbane found their feet in the second half, especially after the introduction of former Sydney FC youngster Luke Ivanovic, who roared his side back in the game when he headed home Jay O'Shea's tantalising ball on 71 minutes.

Kai Trewin thought he'd drawn the Roar level when he headed home O'Shea's free kick in the 80th minute, but the youngster was ruled offside, while Jesse Daley put a chance wide at the death as City just held on.