The game was given an almost immediate twist when Mitch Austin was shown a second yellow card and sent off in the 25th minute by referee Peter Green, putting Victory on the back foot after a solid opening to the encounter.

The red card paved the way for Wanderers to find an opener through Oriel Riera’s 32nd minute header and the Spaniard had the chance to double the lead but failed to convert a penalty before half-time – a strike which followed a near three-minute delay due to VAR deliberations.

Victory goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas, who saved the penalty, made a second big stop after half-time to keep his side in contention and that advantage was taken when Thomas Deng nodded home his first A-League goal to level the clash.

Melbourne Victory

Lawrence Thomas (GK) – 8

Came up big for the Victory in a chaotic few minutes at the end of the first half with a penalty save to keep Melbourne in the contest and did it again after half-time with a save on Mark Bridge. Victory’s wouldn’t have got the point if not for Thomas.

Jason Geria – 6

Gets into those pockets on the right wing to create an extra number in attack and does it often. Geria was okay but lost his battle with Cejudo and Llorente on the flank.

Rhys Williams – 7

Always there to mop up in defence and never looked desperate. Williams plays a killer ball into midfield, but also gave away the penalty.

Thomas Deng – 8

Held his ground against a trio of tricky Spaniards raiding the final third. Didn’t seem overwhelmed and is a no-fuss defender; a hallmark of his young career so far. Most importantly, he scored the equalising header for his first A-League goal.

Stefan Nigro – 5

Nigro filled in at left-back and did a perfectly average job. He didn’t make many mistakes, he didn’t set the game alight at any point and nobody is complaining.