Popovic hails Wanderers' historic achievement

Substitute Shannon Cole and Brendon Santalab with five minutes remaining scored at Parramatta Stadium to erase last week’s 3-1 first leg defeat as AFC Champions League debutants Western Sydney advanced on away goals following a 3-3 draw on aggregate.

A-League Grand Finalists Western Sydney will now await the result of the quarter-final draw at the end of May having became only the second A-League side to reach the last eight after Adelaide United, who lost the 2008 final before exiting the competition in the 2012 quarter-finals.

“We've had many highs in our short history, but beating the two time J. League champions after a week of adversity ranks right up there,” said Western Sydney coach Popovic after seeing his side record a third consecutive home win in the competition.

“I said yesterday I wouldn't be surprised if we made it through. We have quality, spirit and great home form.

“We want to be a club that challenges for honours every year. We have to keep getting better; me, the players, the club and everyone.”

Popovic also reserved special praise for former Japan international Shinji Ono, who was named Man of the Match on his last appearance for Western Sydney.

Ono had a hand in both of Western Sydney’s goals to end his 18-month spell with the A-League side on a high.

The Consadole Sapporo-bound midfielder first provided the cross which was eventually slammed home by substitute Cole 10 minutes into the second half.

And then another Ono delivery with five minutes remaining was only partially cleared by Hiroshima allowing Santalab to net his third goal of the campaign.

“Shinji was special. He showed his class against a quality club. We'll always remember this night,” said Popovic.

“Hopefully we'll bring in more exciting players that you will always keep talking about.”