Melbourne Victory secured a thrilling 3-2 victory against Perth Glory on Friday night at AAMI Park, marking their fourth consecutive win in the Isuzu UTE A-League as they kick-started 2026 with momentum.
The match began with an early setback for Victory when Trent Ostler scored for Perth only 12 minutes in. However, Arthur Diles’ side didn’t back down and responded in stoppage time of the first half with Louis D’Arrigo netting his first goal for the club, leveling the score just before the break.
The second half saw Victory take control of the match, with Nishan Velupillay scoring shortly after the restart to put his team ahead. Another goal came from Santos, who struck in the 69th minute, extending Victory’s lead. Despite Perth’s Khoa Ngo scoring late in the game, Victory held on to secure the win.
Diles made two enforced substitutions, bringing in Joshua Inserra and Denis Genreau to replace the absent Joshua Rawlins and Jordi Valadon, who are currently participating in the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup. This reshuffling allowed younger players like Oliver Dragicevic and Kayne Razmovski to feature on the bench, showcasing the depth of talent in the squad.
Throughout the match, both teams exhibited intensity and determination. After some nervous moments in defense, including a near-miss by Velupillay and outstanding saves by goalkeeper Jack Duncan, Victory finally found their rhythm. D’Arrigo’s equalizer marked the turning point, setting the stage for a dominant second half where Victory showcased their attacking prowess.
With key contributions from players like Juan Mata, who provided two crucial assists, Victory controlled the game and effectively responded to Perth’s attempts to pressure their defense later in the match.
Looking ahead, Melbourne Victory is set to face the Western Sydney Wanderers next weekend before visiting Adelaide United on January 17. The team’s current form suggests they are well-positioned to continue their successful run, instilling hope in fans for a strong season ahead.