A remarkable Hyundai A-League season has come to a close for Brisbane Roar after a narrow defeat in Sunday’s Elimination Final against Western United.
The Roar controlled large portions of the contest, carving the better of the chances, but it was a moment of brilliance from Alessandro Diamanti from a first-half free-kick that proved to be decisive.
Brisbane threatened to draw the game level on a number of occasions with a Bradden Inman strike against the right post partway through the second stanza being the closest call.
“It was a typical finals game… I thought we were the better team – we controlled the territory & the possession but we were ultimately undone by a moment of brilliance from a very good player,” Head Coach Warren Moon said post-match.
“[After the game] I said [to the players] how proud I was of their performance & effort – not just tonight, but in the time we’ve been away. The sacrifice they have all made to be away from family & friends is nothing short of magnificent from this group. The togetherness we now have from that was there for everyone to see tonight.
“They’re a devastated group right now – I am very proud of their efforts.”
After six weeks in the hub in New South Wales, the Roar squad & staff will now return to Queensland and soon commence preparations for the 2020/21 campaign.
GOALS
Western United – Diamanti 21′ – 0-1
A free-kick from distance from Alessandro Diamanti finds the top left corner.
MATCH DETAILS
Hyundai A-League 2019/20: Elimination Final – Brisbane Roar v Western United
Bankwest Stadium, Parramatta
Sunday, 23 August
Brisbane Roar 0
Western United 1 (Diamanti 21′
Half-time: 0-1
