Jordi Valadon in action for Melbourne Victory. Photo: Texi Smith

In Patrick Kisnorbo’s first game under the lights of AAMI Park as Melbourne Victory coach, a Jordi Valadon strike proved the difference as they overcame Adelaide United in a hard-fought battle of determination and passion to advance to the Australia Cup Final.

Kisnorbo, who was previously the Melbourne City coach, now has the chance to win over the Victory faithful and lift his first piece of silverware in navy blue.

“It is an opportunity but I’m more worried about performances at the moment and today I don’t think we’re at our best,” Kisnorbo said.

“We’re happy to be in a final but we also know that we have to do better.”

The opening minutes saw a fast-paced encounter with Victory taking the initiative.

A swift counterattack culminated in Daniel Arzani’s cross finding the head of Nikos Vergos, whose effort narrowly missed the near post in the 11th minute.

Both goalkeepers had their work cut out for them in this first half, proving solid and reliable in keeping their opposition at bay.

Adelaide’s James Delianov made a double save to deny Victory an opening goal, the first of which was a diving stop to parry a long-distance strike from Adama Traore.

The following corner kick saw Jason Geria strike the woodwork with a powerful header, with Brendan Hamill’s follow-up bouncing off the crossbar.

Just a few minutes later Victory’s Jack Duncan made a few acrobatic saves of his own from both of Zach Clough and Ethan Alagich’s close-range efforts.

With the match level at the break, both teams had chances to take the lead but the second half which was full of grit, passion and physicality proved to be an exciting affair as both sides pushed for a winning goal.

Substitute Yaya Dukuly came close in the 73rd minute with his power shot rumbling the woodwork but it was not enough to cross the line and open the scoring for the Reds.

Melbourne Victory’s Jordi Valadon scored the games only goal with a furious first-time strike into the bottom left corner in the 88th minute, securing them a spot in the Australia Cup Final.

Valadon, who is a familiar face to Kisnorbo, having previously played for Melbourne City, scored his first goal for the club.

“I’ve known Jordi for a long time. He was at Melbourne City as a youngster,” Kisnorbo said.

“Its great that he’s been able to have a preseason and play some minutes and yeah, with the goal, he gets rewarded.”

Melbourne Victory will now face the winner of South Melbourne and Macarthur FC in the 2024 Australia Cup Final.

Tags: