Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Robina: Devante Clut’s second goal of the night salvaged a point for Brisbane Roar as they ensured their AFC Champions League Group G hopes remained alive after rescuing a 3-3 draw against Korea Republic’s Suwon Samsung at Robina Stadium on Wednesday night.
Brandon Borello’s second early goal in as many continental games had given the Australian champions the lead on eleven minutes before Clut scored his first of the match on 22 minutes, although Seo Jung-jin halved the deficit six minutes before the interval.
Midfielder Seo then completed his brace five minutes into the second half before Jong Tae-se looked to complete an astonishing turnaround with a third goal for Suwon on 71 minutes. But with 10 minutes of the tie remaining Clut scored a superb equaliser from range to secure a share of the spoils for Brisbane.
Coaches' reaction: Thijssen rues Brisbane's errors as Suwon grab draw
The hosts almost made a dream start to the match when Luke Brattan, returning to Brisbane’s eleven from A-League suspension, bent a free-kick inches past No Dong-Geon’s post.
It didn’t take long for Brisbane to make their fast start count, though, as in-form youngster Borrello opened the scoring in just the 12th minute.
Captain Matt McKay had time to find the feet of Andrija Kaluderovic in the penalty area and the striker made space on his marker to square across goal, where Borrello got ahead of Hong Chul to make it 1-0.
Another well-worked team move required defender Min Sang-gi to slide possession away from Clut, but the midfielder didn’t have to wait long to secure his first of the night.
Borrello turned provider this time, weaving away from defenders before teeing up Clut to drive a left-footed finish into the bottom corner.
Frans Thijssen’s side continued to dominate the opening half hour, going close again through Brattan, but Suwon found a way back into the match late in the first half.
Brattan’s turnover deep in Brisbane’s own half allowed striker Jong to dribble forward and pick out the run of Seo, who turned inside and finished across Jamie Young, despite a touch from the goalkeeper.
Suwon’s stunning revival continued after the break with winger Seo again the hero, wriggling free of three defenders before burying his shot in the bottom corner to level matters at 2-2.
Brisbane responded strongly as McKay drew a sharp save from No, while Jo Sung-jin was needed to make a crucial block on Kaluderovic.
However, Suwon continued to profit at the other end and shocked Brisbane by making it 3-2 in the 71st minute.
The goal belonged largely to playmaker Yeom Ki-hun, who got away down the left and fired an inch-perfect cross across the face for DPR Korea striker Jong to volley last year’s K-League Classic runners-up into the lead.
Brisbane goalkeeper Young then denied Jong to keep his side in the match and the save proved crucial, with Clut capping a see-sawing thriller at the other end.
The 20-year-old received possession well outside the penalty and fired a superb dipping over No to finalise the scoring in a pulsating 3-3 draw.
Photo: WSG