Roar went in to the first of two elimination finals this weekend with the unwanted streak of being unable to beat City in their last 10 encounters at AAMI Park.

City began the livelier of the two teams, taking advantage of a shaky Brisbane defence. The high press of Melbourne impressively destabilised Brisbane’s attempts to retain possession

Despite the match being an affair largely dominated by Melbourne, City backed off in intensity during the second half allowing Roar to attempt to shift the match, the result of which was relatively unsuccessful.

Jamie Young was essential in leaving City understandably perplexed that the score line was not higher.

Melbourne City

Dean Bouzanis 6 

Rarely tested throughout the 90.

Nathaniel Atkinson 7

Pushed forward to take advantage of Brisbane’s lack of effort to venture forward and linked up well with Arzani to force Brisbane in to some desperate defending at times.

Bart Schenkeveld 7

Fresh from notching City’s Player of the Season award the classy central defender worked proactively to prevent the Roar on several occasions and to maintain City’s overwhelming of Brisbane.

Osama Malik 6 

Solid defensive shift throughout. Had a fantastic chance to put City ahead following an exquisite close range Jamieson free kick.

Scott Jamieson 7 

Battled wholeheartedly up and down his flank, constantly putting Brisbane on the back foot with his movement.

Oliver Bozanic 6 

Positive showing alongside Brattan, pushing the ball wide to his dangerous wingers and providing relief for his team when necessary.

Luke Brattan 6 

Gave the ball away at times due to some poor touches, but typically his passing and distribution was second to none. Clearly troubled by injury at times but soldiered on in the heart of City’s midfield.

Dario Vidosic 6.5 

Had some nice moments of play but well and truly came to life in the concluding moments of the match, setting up Fitzgerald for City’s second with a precise cross. Had several chances to add to the slim score line, which should have been handled more effectively.

Stefan Mauk 7 

Chased relentlessly and fought well to earn back the ball for his team. Earned a goal for his efforts with a clinical run and finish.

Daniel Arzani 6.5 

Caused issues in Brisbane’s box all night, weaving in and around the Roar players to attempt to set up his teammates. The praise for Arzani is no doubt justified but he may need to work on his heading after some of tonight’s efforts.

Bruno Fornaroli 7 

Displayed all of the attributes that reflect his presence as one of the best strikers the A-League has ever seen in working to reclaim the ball and subsequently assist Mauk for the opener.

Substitutes

Nick Fitzgerald 7 

Brought on in place of Arzani and immediately caused problems for the Brisbane defence, scoring with a bullet header in the game’s final minutes.

Manny Muscat N/A 

Subbed on for the reluctant to come off Fornaroli.

Brisbane Roar

Jamie Young 7

A brilliant set of saves to prevent City grabbing a hold of the game in the early minutes. Maintained his impressive shot-stopping form, especially when saving against Arzani.

Jack Hingert 4 

Poor throughout the night, being troubled by the mobility of Jamieson and Vidosic. His poor turnover resulted in City’s opener.

Jacob Pepper 6 

Mistimed some of his defensive efforts but was assured for a majority of the game, intercepting and tackling in key moments.

Connor O’Toole 6 

Only his second start at centre back and he recovered positively from a nervy early period. Demonstrated great awareness at times to prevent City’s better moments.

Ivan Franjic 5 

Had to contend with the wily Arzani throughout and struggled with City’s constant pressure.

Matt McKay 6 

Aggressive and tenacious throughout, attempting to spark his team in to conjuring some form of an attack, of which there rarely was one.

Thomas Kristensen 4 

Genuinely one of his weaker performances in a Brisbane shirt, giving away the ball incessantly and failing in several passes around the pitch.

Fahid Ben Khalfallah 5 

Rarely able to get in to the match without being prevented by City’s players, be it through a foul or interception.

Henrique 5                 

Consigned largely to defensive work and was therefore unable to influence the match.

Eric Bautheac 6 

Some tidy work and astute touches when given the space to work, but found frustration in a lack of ambition in Brisbane’s forward play.

Massimo Maccarone 5

Had to drop back to provide relief and pressure on City as his team were under the pump. Should have done better with a rare opportunity in the form of a second half header as his lack of pace appeared to restrict potential opportunities for the Roar to break quickly on the counter.

Substitutes

Corey Gameiro 5 

Attempted to link up with his teammates to create an opening but was unable to affect the game.

Corey Brown 5 

Turned over the ball poorly when he replaced O’Toole. Likely his last appearance in a Roar jersey.