Juan Mata’s first Victory goal sets up blockbuster Melbourne Derby: ‘Best performance by far’
Juan Mata opened his Melbourne Victory account as the Isuzu UTE A-League runners-up saw off Perth Glory 2-0 on Friday night.
Victory – coming off a shock 5-2 loss to Newcastle Jets – went up against a Glory side bottom of the standings and without a head coach following the dismissal of David Zdrilic heading into Round 3.
The visitors proved too strong at HBF Park, where Keegan Jelacic broke the deadlock with a fine strike from the edge of the area in the 11th minute.
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Former Rangers forward Tom Lawrence made his debut for the Glory but it was Spanish superstar Mata who stole the show in Victory colours.
In the starting XI for the first time since swapping Western Sydney Wanderers for rivals Victory, the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League winner doubled the lead nine minutes into the second half.
The former Manchester United, Chelsea and Spain attacker capped a fine sweeping move from Victory as he celebrated his second Isuzu UTE A-League goal and it sets the stage for a blockbuster Melbourne Derby next week.
Nick Vergos was also sensationally thwarted twice by Glory goalkeeper Matt Sutton.
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“He has left the game with arguably his best performance in the A-League since arriving in the country,” said Paramount+ commentator Teo Pellizzeri of Mata.
Co-commentator and former A-Leagues coach Phil Moss added: “It has been by far his best performance.
“Just the way he controlled the tempo and the way he can kill a touch and open the game open. His vision, it’s fantastic to see him in our competition.”
Match highlights
