Brisbane Roar vs Western United – Shark Highlights | Isuzu UTE A-League 2024-25 | Round 27
After a lengthy drought of 410 days without a home victory in the Isuzu UTE A-League, Brisbane Roar finally secured a 2-1 win against third-placed Western United in a remarkable upset at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday evening.
Western United entered the Round 27 match aiming to clinch three points to move into second place on the ladder. However, it was the Roar that made their mark, lifting themselves off the bottom of the table and surpassing Perth Glory after the first of Brisbane’s three consecutive home fixtures.
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Club legend Jack Hingert marked his 300th Isuzu UTE A-League appearance by playing from the start. The long-serving Roar player, who has dedicated 14 seasons to the club, played a pivotal role in this drought-breaking success at Suncorp Stadium.
The victory was established through early goals from Samuel Klein and Florin Berenguer, with a disciplined second-half defensive display ensuring the visitors were kept at bay following Hiroshi Ibusuki’s goal just before half-time.
“And the whistle goes — Brisbane Roar’s record home winless streak is finally over!” exclaimed commentator Teo Pellizzeri from Network 10 at full time.
“Stop the clock at 12 matches. Brisbane Roar have finally triumphed in front of their home fans. Sweet relief as they move off the cellar.”
“They’ve set off a bombshell within the top six, and it’s exploded beneath Western United!”
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How it happened
The Roar wasted no time in taking the lead, scoring just two minutes into the match as 21-year-old Klein netted his third of the season, converting Jacob Brazete’s cutback from the penalty spot.
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It could have been 2-0 within the next two minutes, but Berenguer’s unmarked strike from inside the box was expertly saved by Western keeper Matthew Sutton. However, midway through the first half, Berenguer capitalised on a misjudged touch by young Western defender Dylan Leonard to double the Roar’s lead.
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With a 2-0 cushion after just 23 minutes, the last-placed Roar suddenly found themselves comfortably positioned to secure a long-awaited home victory against a top-two contender. Yet, Western managed to reduce the deficit just before the break, with Hiroshi Ibusuki netting his 10th goal of the season and inching closer to the Golden Boot.
Despite the temporary boost from Ibusuki’s goal just before half-time, Western were unable to build on their comeback aspirations. The Roar maintained their grip in a goalless second half, ensuring their long-awaited home victory and bringing an end to a 410-day wait.
What it means
For Brisbane, it is a wave of relief.
After 410 days and 13 unsuccessful attempts, the Roar finally celebrated a home win, breaking the dismal run that dated back to March 3, 2024, when they beat Melbourne Victory 3-2.
Since that victory, Brisbane had suffered 12 losses in 13 league matches, managing just one point from a possible 36 during that stretch — a 1-1 draw against Melbourne Victory on March 1, 2025.
Thursday night’s win against Western United is the first of three back-to-back home matches for the Roar, who, following this breakthrough victory, will aim for a late surge of points to avoid finishing the season at the bottom of the Isuzu UTE A-League table.
As a result, Brisbane climbed above Perth Glory into 12th place in the standings after Thursday’s win.
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Conversely, for Western United, the unexpected road defeat is a tough pill to swallow as John Aloisi’s team missed the opportunity to regain second place in the Isuzu UTE A-League table.
Western headed into Round 27 just six points behind leaders Auckland FC, yet instead of narrowing the gap to just three points with a win over the league’s bottom side, they now find themselves vulnerable to being overtaken by teams hot on their heels.
The fourth-placed Western Sydney Wanderers and fifth-placed Melbourne Victory trail Western United by just two points as Round 27 unfolds.
Western United’s unexpected loss to Brisbane was one of three outcomes required by Auckland to secure the Premiers Plate this weekend.
Auckland must win against Victory in Saturday’s early match and hope that second-placed Melbourne City loses to the Wanderers. If both events occur, Auckland’s lead at the top would increase to an unassailable seven points with only two fixtures remaining, clinching the club’s first trophy in their inaugural Isuzu UTE A-League season.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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