From 2-0 Down to Victory: Western Sydney Wanderers Pull Off Stunning Comeback

CommBank Stadium provided an unforgettable spectacle on Saturday night as Western Sydney Wanderers pulled off an astonishing comeback, recovering from a two-goal deficit to defeat rivals Melbourne Victory 4-2 in the Isuzu UTE A-League.

With Melbourne leading 2-0 just before half-time following two quick goals, the Wanderers surged back with three unanswered strikes, turning the match around on a thrilling evening in Western Sydney.

After the visitors took control with goals from Socceroo Nishan Velupillay and Reno Piscopo, Bulgarian sensation Bozhidar Kraev brought a glimmer of hope to the Wanderers just before the break. The equaliser came from another Socceroo, Brandon Borrello, who found the net 14 minutes before full-time, following two close calls that saw Victory’s shots cleared off the line.

As the clock ticked down, Nicolas Milanovic, who had come off the bench, scored to put the hosts in the lead with just three minutes left in regulation time – marking his ninth goal of the season and closing in on the Golden Boot. Fellow substitute Marcus Antonsson sealed the victory in the fourth minute of added time.

This vital win significantly boosts the Wanderers’ chances in the finals race, marking their first four consecutive victories in nearly a decade, catapulting them to third in the league standings while Melbourne slipped to fifth.

Fans were tuned in to witness the performance of several stars called up by the Socceroos, including Victory’s Velupillay, Arzani, and Ryan Teague, who all rose to the occasion.

Victory started strong, almost taking the lead in the first eight minutes. Bruno Fornaroli had a chance in the box, evading two Wanderers defenders before forcing a superb save from goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas.

Arzani proved to be a constant danger in the first half, utilizing his pace and skill to drive into the penalty area and challenge Thomas 15 minutes later.

Western Sydney soon issued a warning of their own, with Anthony Pantazopoulos’ long ball finding Aydan Hammond, whose pass to Oscar Priestman resulted in a powerful shot hitting the crossbar, though it was ruled offside.

Following a nasty head clash involving Zac Sapsford and Kasey Bos, Melbourne broke the deadlock in the 34th minute.

Reno Piscopo was brought down just outside the area, but advantage was played, allowing Velupillay to curl the ball beyond Thomas, igniting a thrilling end to the first half.

Thomas kept the Wanderers alive in the 38th minute with a fantastic save against Sapsford. Moments later, Piscopo extended Victory’s lead to two just before half-time, showcasing an exceptional play from Arzani who assisted with a perfect ball for Piscopo to tap in.

However, just as Victory celebrated their doubled lead, Kraev responded for the Wanderers, volleying home to put them back in contention just before the interval.

Victory nearly restored their advantage within minutes of the second half, though Pantazopoulos was on hand to clear Velupillay’s shot off the line, and Arzani’s follow-up rattled the post, showcasing impressive attacking movement.

Frustration mounted for Victory as Brendan Hamill saw his goal-bound effort also denied by a quick clearance from Alex Bonetig.

Meanwhile, at the other end, Nicolas Milanovic, who came on at half-time, fired just wide of the post, signalling Western Sydney’s intent to push for the equaliser.

Victory’s hopes were dashed again in the 66th minute, thanks to a stunning fingertip save from Thomas denying substitute Zinedine Machach.

Then, with only 14 minutes remaining, Borrello capitalised on a brilliant cross from Alex Gersbach to head the ball past Langerak for the equaliser.

Western Sydney continued to push as Victory struggled to regain their composure, culminating in late goals from both Milanovic and Antonsson, sealing a remarkable victory.