In a series of articles over the coming weeks, we’ll look at the key moments from the 2017/18 Hyundai A-League season that shaped our run to the 2018 Championship.
Besart Berisha is known as a big-game player, his Hyundai A-League record alone is enough to justify that claim.
So, with extra time looming large over the Elimination Final between Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United, it should come as no surprise that Berisha would be the player to step up.
WATCH: Berisha’s Elimination Final stunner
Big game Bes! #MVCvADL #MVFC pic.twitter.com/CSnelaf3g0
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) April 22, 2018
Victory came into the match as clear favourites, all the stats pointed to a Melbourne win.
But an upset looked on the cards early in the second half when Nikola Mileusnic pounced on a quickly-taken free kick to poke the ball past Lawrence Thomas.
Leroy George equalised not long after, but as the game entered the 89th minute, extra time seemed inevitable.
Enter Besart Berisha.
With seemingly the last attack of regular time, Kosta Barbarouses worked his way into the box on the right side of the pitch.
The Kiwi picked out Berisha with a pinpoint cross but with his back to goal, the striker had few options.
While most players would try to control the ball and turn to shoot, Berisha pulled out an unbelievable bicycle kick to beat Paul Izzo and win the game for Victory.
After the match, Berisha’s son Amar was seen trying to replicate his dad’s incredible winner – a touching way to cap a perfect evening for the boys in blue.
WATCH: Amar Berisha copies his dad
Future match-winner 😉 #MVCvADL #MVFC pic.twitter.com/XtlIjIf2ko
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) April 23, 2018
