Aziz Behich’s stunning freekick wasn’t enough to see his side claim all three points on Tuesday night as Melbourne City played out a 1-1 draw with Macarthur Bulls.
The home side took a little while to warm into the game at AAMI Park but when they did, it was a moment of magic that broke the deadlock in the 25th minute.
After Takeshi Kanamori was fouled on the right edge of the Bulls’ box, captain Aziz Behich stood over the subsequent freekick and duly whipped a stunning left-footed effort over the wall and into the back of the net, giving Bulls keeper Filip Kurto absolutely no chance.
Macarthur were then dealt a second blow in the immediate aftermath of the goal, with striker Ji Dong-won unable to continue after picking up an ankle injury and was subsequently replaced by towering striker Harrison Sawyer.
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Out of nothing, though, the Bulls dragged themselves level in the 36th minute of the contest and it was a moment of pure relief for Mexican striker Rafael Duran.
Taking up a good position inside the box, Duran acted on instinct, flicking out his right leg to steer home a powerful low effort from former City player Harry Politidis before wheeling away in celebration after bagging his first goal in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
Clear-cut chances were few and far between in the second half but Macarthur had arguably the best chance to snatch the three points.
Controlling the ball inside the box, Sawyer turned and lashed a powerful shot towards goal which seemed destined for the back of the net but was somehow pushed away by in-form goalkeeper Patrick Beach.
City threw everything at the Bulls in the dying stages but were frustrated by Kurto in the Bulls goal as the game ended in a draw.
The result sees City remain in fourth spot on the ladder whilst Mile Sterjovski’s Macarthur sit seventh.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
City captain Aziz Behich opened the scoring in spectacular fashion.
Macarthur levelled things up soon after as Mexican Rafa Duran scored his first A-Leagues goal.
Patrick Beach pulled off this phenomenal save to deny striker Harrison Sawyer.
WHAT THEY SAID
Hear from Melbourne City head coach Aurelio Vidmar, who spoke to Paramount+ after the game.
