A-League: Western United beat Perth Glory 5-4 as record falls in unforgettable clash

By Sports Desk January 23, 2021

Western United emerged triumphant in a nine-goal epic as an A-League record was broken in their 5-4 home victory over Perth Glory.

Eight second-half goals were scored in the contest in Geelong, a competition record.

Managers Mark Rudan and Richard Garcia were left laughing on the touchline in the closing stages, aware they were part of history.

Few would have expected such a result as Western took a 1-0 lead into half-time courtesy of an impressive early Victor Sanchez goal.

Carlo Armiento equalised after 56 minutes and that was the first of eight goals in a remarkable 28-minute period.

Bruno Fornaroli, Nicholas D'Agostino and another Armiento strike meant Glory reached a four-goal total that would usually result in victory.

But Dylan Pierias scored twice and Tomoki Imai also struck for Western in the second half.

That meant the match was level at 4-4 and there was one final twist six minutes from time, with Steven Lustica's deflected strike settling the match.

Western boss Rudan told FOX Sports: "At 4-4, I turned to Richie Garcia and said, 'Mate, we're part of something that's going to be re-run for the next 20-years'. 

"We just had a laugh and a chuckle.

"I kept looking over my shoulder at [Melbourne City striker] Jamie Maclaren [in the commentary box] and he was having a laugh.

"The most important thing is that we got through an incredible game."

In Saturday's other game, Mohamed Toure scored the winner on his first A-League start as Adelaide United won 1-0 against rivals Melbourne Victory.

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