Guangzhou Evergrande's Elkeson De Oliviera Cardoso (right) vies for the ball with Melbourne Victory player Kosta Barbarouses.

Guangzhou Evergrande's Elkeson De Oliviera Cardoso (right) vies for the ball with Melbourne Victory player Kosta Barbarouses. Photo: AFP



The most pivotal week of Melbourne Victory's season began in magnificent fashion, with Nathan Coe's inspired goalkeeping triggering a stirring victory over reigning Asian club champion Guangzhou Evergrande.


The 2-0 result at Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night - achieved with goals in the first two minutes and last two minutes, by Mark Milligan and James Troisi - kept alive Victory's hopes of qualifying for the final 16 of the Asian Champions League ahead of its last group match next week.


Coach Kevin Muscat, having to juggle two matches in four days in two competitions, changed more than half his team from Saturday's A-League win in Wellington. Striker Archie Thompson headed the six absentees, while Chilean defender Pablo Contreras was the most notable inclusion.


Mark Milligan of the Victory is congratulated by his teammates after scoring.

Mark Milligan of the Victory is congratulated by his teammates after scoring. Photo: AFP



Within 90 seconds of the start, Muscat's selection philosophy was given an endorsement when one of his reinforcements, Jesse Makarounas, provided a superb pass that allowed the home team to take the lead.