Brisbane Roar FC vs Macarthur Bulls – Shark Highlights | Isuzu UTE A-League 2024-25 | Round 25
Marin Jakolis netted his inaugural hat-trick in the Isuzu UTE A-League, propelling Macarthur Bulls to a stunning 5-1 comeback victory over Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
Brisbane initially took control in the first half with a spectacular long-range strike from Asumah Abubakar, but Jakolis struck back to level the score before halftime.
Saîf-Edinne Khaoui provided the assist for Jakolis’ opening goal of the night and repeated the feat 10 minutes after the resumption as Macarthur surged ahead in Brisbane.
In the 68th minute, Jake Hollman doubled the Bulls’ lead with a pinpoint header from a graceful free-kick by Luke Brattan, and just moments later, Jakolis sealed his hat-trick and ninth goal of the season on the scoreboard.
In the dying moments of stoppage time, Harrison Sawyer marked his third goal in two matches, capping off a resounding 5-1 triumph for the Bulls.
Jakolis kicked off the 2024-25 season in strong form, scoring four times in his first four games before experiencing an 11-match goal drought. Coming into this match, he had tallied two goals in six outings but made a spectacular return with his first hat-trick in the A-Leagues.
He now trails Western United forward Noah Botic by just two goals in the race for the Golden Boot, with Botic leading on 11 goals.
With this victory in Brisbane, Macarthur climbed to just one point shy of sixth-placed Adelaide United, despite having played two additional matches.
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After a tentative first 20 minutes, Saîf-Edinne Khaoui threatened to break the deadlock with a long-range effort, prompting Matt Acton to dive and parry, though the Roar keeper wasn’t troubled as the ball curved away from the top-left corner.
This ambitious attempt seemed to awaken the Bulls, who soon pressured again through Marin Jakolis on the left flank. He aimed to set up Chris Ikonomidis, who was free in the box; however, Jakolis’ cross carried too much pace, missing out on a clear scoring opportunity.
Macarthur’s failure to convert several chances allowed Brisbane to capitalise, with Asumah Abubakar stepping up to deliver his spectacular second Roar goal from outside the box.
The 27-year-old, who moved to Brisbane from Grasshopper Club Zurich in February, scored his first A-League goal against Perth Glory in March and doubled his tally in style to put the Roar ahead against Macarthur.
Just seven minutes later, Abubakar nearly added another to his tally, hitting the post with a scuffed shot from a tight angle, which was a fortunate escape for Macarthur.
Just before halftime, Macarthur struck back, levelling the score as they went into the break.
Ivan Vujica sparked a well-executed attacking move, feeding the ball to Jakolis who combined brilliantly with Khaoui before firing a first-time shot into the bottom-right corner.
Jakolis promptly secured his brace just 10 minutes after the interval, turning the tide for Macarthur at Suncorp Stadium.
Khaoui registered his second assist of the match with a precise, first-time pass behind Brisbane’s defence. Jakolis then displayed his composure, rounding Acton to finish into an empty net.
Macarthur quickly established a commanding position with Jake Hollman’s close-range header, courtesy of a perfectly-placed free-kick by Luke Brattan, extending their lead to 3-1.
With the momentum clearly in their favour, Macarthur soon struck again, bringing the score to 4-1. Jakolis completed his hat-trick on the receiving end of a cross from Kealey Adamson, volleying home at the back post without challenge.
Isuzu UTE A-League Golden Boot Leaderboard
1st: Noah Botic, Western United: 11 goals
=2nd: Archie Goodwin, Adelaide United: 10 goals
=2nd: Nicolas Milanovic, Western Sydney Wanderers: 10 goals
=4th: Adrian Segecic, Sydney FC: 9 goals
=4th: Hiroshi Ibusuki, Western United: 9 goals
=4th: Joe Lolley, Sydney FC: 9 goals
=4th: Marin Jakolis, Macarthur Bulls: 9 goals
In the final moments of the match, Harrison Sawyer capped off the night with a towering header, confirming a dominant 5-1 victory for the Bulls.
The imposing Macarthur forward celebrated with a playful robot dance after netting his third goal in two matches.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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