The expensive Brazilian duo caused problems all night for Victory’s defence, with the former sealing a brace with an impressive curling effort.
 
Despite scoring three against Ulsan Hyundai in round one, Victory’s attacking trio saw little of the ball in Shanghai.
 
Besart Berisha found it hard to hide his frustrations at times and a consolation penalty did little to temper his mood. 

Melbourne Victory Player Ratings

Lawrence Thomas – 6

Thomas’ shaky moment early in the first half set the tone for Victory’s underwhelming performance. A routine shot squirmed through the goalkeeper’s hands and tried sneaking underneath the crossbar. Credit where it’s due, none of the four Shanghai goals were Thomas’ fault.

Jason Geria – 4

Tried withdrawing his arm from an attempted Shanghai cross, but was penalised for his slow reactions. The resulting penalty was cooly finished by Hulk. Geria’s misfortune continued in the second half, when a clearance fell to Oscar – a player who is unforgiving from 18 yards, making it 3-0.

James Donachie – 5.5

Donachie knew full well that giving the likes of Hulk time on the edge of the box leads to goals. Sticking to his game plan, the Victory defender closed the opposition down on every occasion, but was sometimes outclassed by the Brazilian.

Rhys Williams – 5.5

Passive in defence on a number of occasions, but won an important header in the opponent’s penalty area, leading to a Victory penalty. Certainly a night to forget for Williams and his defensive colleagues.

Leigh Broxham – 6

Broxham was faced with the near-impossible task of stopping the free-flowing Hulk from playing at his full potential. The former FC Porto winger picked holes in Broxham’s defensive zone, cut inside and created chances throughout the night. The Victory veteran will be keen to put this performance behind him.

 

Terry Antonis – 6

A lively start from the 24-year-old – playing daring balls through and over Shanghai’s defence with the scores at 0-0. However, as Shanghai found their rhythm Antonis had less of an impact on the game and eventually sat deep in midfield, unable to provide for his attacking teammates.

Carl Valeri – 5

Struggled to keep up with the intensity and pace of Oscar and co. In hindsight, Valeri could have done more to prevent Oscar’s first goal. The Victory midfielder followed up a loose Geria clearance, but gave the Brazilian an inch too much on the edge of the penalty area.

Kosta Barbarouses – 5.5

Probably the most wasteful of Victory’s striking options, as nothing seems to come from his avenue of attack. Similarly to Leroy George, Victory’s lack of territory restricted Barbarouses’ attacking capability.

James Troisi – 5.5

Victory’s best move of the night ended at Troisi’s feet inside the penalty area. The Aussie international only had to steer the ball into the near corner, but missed the target entirely.

Leroy George – 6

It’s not often the Dutchman goes a game with an impressive showreel of tricks, flicks and assists, but last night was one of those days. In fairness, George’s side spent most the game in their own half – limiting the winger’s potential.

As tricky as ever. Inches from opening the scoring 14 mins in.

Besart Berisha – 6

Had the ball in the back of the Shanghai net on the stroke of half-time, but for the umpteenth occasion, the striker was called offside. After showing clear sings of frustration in the second half, Berisha was gifted with a penalty in the 69th minute and sent the keeper the wrong way.

SUBS:

Thomas Deng – 5.5

Entered the field full of positivity and created half a chance for himself within the first five minutes. Fifteen minutes later, Deng is facing Oscar who has the ball at his feet, 20 yards from goal. Oscar fakes, Deng turns. Oscar shifts the ball, Deng gives Oscar a yard. Oscar scores.

Jai Ingham – N/A

Did not play enough to recieve a fair rating.

Christian Theoharous – N/A

Did not play enough to receive a fair rating.Â