Five Hours on Saturday Could Determine the Premiership Following Stunning Result That Shakes Title Contender

When the final whistle blew, sealing a remarkable 2-1 win for Brisbane Roar against third-placed Western United on Thursday night, Network 10 commentator Teo Pellizzeri described the outcome as akin to a bombshell dropped on the top six.

“And the whistle goes. Brisbane Roar’s lengthy wait for a home victory is finally over!” Pellizzeri exclaimed, as Brisbane—who sat at the bottom of the table before the first match of Round 27—celebrated their first home success in a staggering 410 days.

“Let the record stop at 12 games. Brisbane Roar have finally clinched a victory in front of their loyal supporters. What a relief it is as they rise off the bottom of the ladder.

“They have detonated a bomb inside the top six, and it’s blown up under the feet of Western United!”

Brisbane were largely considered the underdogs going into the match at Suncorp Stadium, but they pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the season by defeating Western United.

This result denied Western the chance to secure second place in the standings and kept league leaders Auckland FC in contention for the Premiers Plate, which they could secure as early as Saturday evening.

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Now, five hours of football could have substantial implications for the Premiership on a matchday that has now become a must-watch following Western’s unexpected defeat.

Second-placed Melbourne City will be travelling to face fourth-placed Western Sydney Wanderers, aiming to stay competitive in the race for top honours, while Auckland takes on Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park in the early Saturday fixture.

Western United’s inability to seize the opportunity to climb into second place has opened up the Finals Series race considerably.

Two pivotal clashes are scheduled for Round 27:

• Melbourne Victory (5th) vs Auckland FC (1st): AAMI Park, Saturday, April 19 (5pm AEST)
• Western Sydney Wanderers (4th) vs Melbourne City (2nd): CommBank Stadium, Saturday, April 19 (7.35pm AEST)

Both matches will be broadcast LIVE and FREE on 10 BOLD.

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By Saturday night, Auckland FC could claim the Premiers Plate if Steve Corica’s team manages to defeat Victory at AAMI Park, and if the Wanderers overcome City at CommBank Stadium, potentially putting the Black Knights a comfortable seven points ahead of City, with only two games remaining.

Conversely, victories for Victory and Western Sydney could see Western United plummet from third to fifth by the weekend’s close, while keeping Auckland within striking distance of the four teams below them on the table as we approach the final rounds.

After a staggering 410-day wait without a home win, Brisbane orchestrated an unlikely triumph on Thursday night, setting the stage for an exciting weekend of position shuffling in the top six as well as at the peak of the table, with the Premiers Plate tantalisingly close for Auckland.