Latest Melbourne Victory news
Victory release another three players
Michael Lynch Melbourne Victory are clearing the decks for a major rebuild and on Saturday announced that three more players would be leaving the club.
'Where to next?' market for Archie raises eyebrows
![Archie Thompson has left Melbourne Victory.](/web/20160614095710im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/x/h/f/x/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gp3ahq.png/1464186456461.jpg)
Michael Lynch The bookies are always quick to spot a marketing opportunity, even if the market they are framing is not likely to generate an awful lot of activity.
Victory crash out of Asia in Jeonju
![Jeonbuk's Leonardo lifts his hands skywards after equalising.](/web/20160614095710im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/x/g/y/8/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gp2zr3.png/1464125682919.jpg)
Brazilian forward Leonardo has dished out another piece of Asian Champions heartache for Melbourne Victory and put Jeonbuk Motors into Asia's last eight.
Thompson looks to play on, will NPL Victoria be best option?
![Archie Thompson](/web/20160614095710im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/x/h/f/y/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goxmuv.png/1463548215690.jpg)
Michael Lynch There was tears and laughter, joy and sadness. Hardened supporters had lumps in their throats, and the man at the centre of the attention, Archie Thompson, found it hard to hold it all together.
Berisha ponders Albania, Australia tie-up
![Besert Berisha has urged fans to come out and support Archie Thompson in his last home game for Melbourne Victory.](/web/20160614095710im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/l/i/u/s/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gotg3g.png/1463024123241.jpg)
He still holds out hope of representing Albania at this year's European Championships, but it's the possibility of Besart Berisha's switch of allegiances that has his A-League club Melbourne Victory excited.
All change in the A-League
![Adelaide United's Bruce Kamau (middle).](/web/20160614095710im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/j/l/e/x/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gooooz.png/1462612304027.jpg)
Michael Lynch Putting together a Championship-winning team always looks easier than keeping one together – as Adelaide United have found less than a week after attaining the ultimate in Australian soccer.
Victory to face Korea's Jeonbuk in ACL
![Thompson embraces Barbarouses after the game.](/web/20160614095710im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/l/h/t/w/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gomsod.png/1462465460005.jpg)
Melbourne Victory have been handed a chance for Asian Champions League revenge in their round-of-16 tie.
Long farewell is fitting for Archie: CEO
![Departing Victory veteran Archie Thompson.](/web/20160614095710im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/m/4/j/4/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gom461.png/1462397211569.jpg)
Archie Thompson's last two games for Melbourne Victory will function as a prolonged farewell reminiscent of Australian music icon John Farnham, the club's chief executive says.
Muscat elated by team's performance
![An animated Kevin Muscat has a nervous moment or two.](/web/20160614095710im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/l/i/7/6/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goli7k.png/1462305276419.jpg)
Michael Lynch Melbourne Victory boss Kevin Muscat was trying to keep a lid on things after his history-making side reached the last 16 of the Asian Champions League for the first time, but even his hard-nosed professionalism had to give way to the sheer pleasure of the moment.
Victory must put Archie emotion aside in quest for history
![Over, but not out: Archie Thompson will play for Victory in their Asian Champions League match on Tuesday night.](/web/20160614095710im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/i/u/a/d/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gojvzc.png/1462159461931.jpg)
Michael Lynch Melbourne Victory are looking to make their own Asian Champions League history in what will be an emotional final group game against a Gamba Osaka side missing 10 first-teamers at AAMI Park on Tuesday night.
'Peter Pan' Thompson should play on
![Over, but not out: Archie Thompson](/web/20160614095710im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/i/u/a/d/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goiuao.png/1462086338284.jpg)
Michael Lynch Archie Thompson's tearful goodbye from Melbourne Victory and his insistence that the moments he treasured most were with the fans and the youngsters who support the club rather than the trophies he won ensured his farewell press conference was an emotional affair, one laced with both joy and sadness, happiness and regret.
Thompson to leave Victory
![Thanks for the memories: Archie Thompson is bowing out.](/web/20160614095710im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/i/t/z/u/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goit69.png/1462008137241.jpg)
Michael Lynch Melbourne Victory superstar Archie Thompson sobbed, choked and struggled to speak while the tears rolled down his cheeks as he announced on Saturday morning that his time at the A-League's biggest club had come
Victory's Delpierre retires from A-League
![With Matthieu Delpierre in the side, Victory's defence was calmer, better organised and looked tighter and better ...](/web/20160614095710im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/1/m/x/p/t/i/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gofl4y.png/1461659690800.jpg)
Melbourne Victory has a giant hole to fill in their A-League defence with Matthieu Delpierre announcing his retirement from football.
Victory make Gamba game a grand final
![Elkeson and Carl Valeri go head-to-head in the Champions League.](/web/20160614095710im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/b/7/o/p/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gob1qc.png/1461139538067.jpg)
Roy Ward Melbourne Victory's ACL future is in their hands despite a loss to Shanghai SIPG on Tuesday night.
Victory lose to Shanghai in ACL
![Lu Wenjun of Shanghai SIPG and Scott Galloway of Melbourne Victory compete for possession.](/web/20160614095710im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/a/d/2/p/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goad1v.png/1461119653231.jpg)
Melbourne Victory's Asian Champions League dreams will come down to the last day after a 3-1 loss to group leaders Shanghai SIPG.
Victory must recover for ACL: Muscat
![Down but not out: Kevin Muscat said his side would not dwell on the loss.](/web/20160614095710im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/7/w/9/w/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.go7v5a.png/1460797780015.jpg)
Roy Ward Melbourne Victory's heart-breaking exit from the A League finals will be no excuse not to be ready for this week's crucial ACL clash in China, says Kevin Muscat.
Broich goal sends Melbourne Victory packing
![Thomas Broich of the Roar scores the winning goal against Melbourne Victory on Friday.](/web/20160614095710im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/7/s/z/0/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.go7szb.png/1460973597111.jpg)
Brisbane Roar have done it again, clawing back from a goal down with just minutes remaining to beat Melbourne Victory 2-1 and keep their A-League finals hopes alive.
Live: Roar v Victory
![Oliver Bozanic of the Victory (right) celebrates with Besart Berisha after socring against the Western Sydney Wanderers ...](/web/20160614095710im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/n/r/c/k/c/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.go7r7p.png/1460721355859.jpg)
Daniel Cherny Live coverage as Melbourne Victory's season goes on the line in the elimination final at Suncorp Stadium.
Victory furious with FFA over finals schedule
![So close: Besart Berisha rues a missed opportunity on goal.](/web/20160614095710im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/n/k/5/7/a/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.go6q2p.png/1460647902291.jpg)
Dominic Bossi Melbourne Victory are furious with 32-hour turnaround before a potential away semi-final against Adelaide United.
Victory can handle pressure, says Muscat
![Victory players celebrate Besart Berisha's goal.](/web/20160614095710im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/n/w/x/2/5/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.go6i8v.png/1460625523110.jpg)
Roy Ward Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat has backed his reigning premiers to stand up to the pressure of Friday night's elimination final, despite being on the road against Brisbane Roar.
Berisha dodges ban to boost Victory
![Besart Berisha of Melbourne Victory celebrates after converting a penalty to put his team ahead.](/web/20160614095710im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/n/2/u/m/m/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.go5a6t.png/1460525571884.jpg)
Roy Ward Melbourne Victory's Kosta Barbarouses says Besart Berisha's return from suspension is a massive boost.
Berisha a liar, says Durante
![Andrew Durante was unimpressed with Besart Berisha's testimony.](/web/20160614095710im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/5/1/q/d/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.go515a.png/1461316054710.jpg)
Wellington Phoenix captain Andrew Durante has labelled Besart Berisha a liar after the Melbourne Victory striker successfully appealed his two-game ban.
Roar's Spanish ace confident of glory
![Brisbane Roar's Spanish midfielder Corona.](/web/20160614095710im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/4/w/l/z/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.go4wjb.png/1460496620508.jpg)
Midfielder says Brisbane was unlucky not to get result last week.
Victory striker Berisha beats ban, free to play in the elimination final
![Besart Berisha leaves the field after receiving a red card against Wellington Phoenix.](/web/20160614095710im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/4/u/9/p/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.go4u1z.png/1460460469071.jpg)
Roy Ward Melbourne Victory striker Besart Berisha is free to play against Brisbane Roar in the A League elimination finals on Friday night.
A-League boss defends rest policy
![Kevin Muscat: Questions whether the A-League 72-hour rest rule is adequate.](/web/20160614095710im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/2/1/8/f/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.go4mob.png/1460446952907.jpg)
Roy Ward Head of the A-League Damien de Bohun has defended the player rest policy after being challenged by Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat.
Berisha appeal result on Tuesday night
![Besart Berisha (right) faces an anxious wait.](/web/20160614095710im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/2/1/4/r/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.go3rnr.png/1460376570377.jpg)
Roy Ward The Victory will find out on Tuesday night if they have their star striker for their elimination final.
Victory confident of defending A-League crown
![Carl Valeri says Victory can win the grand final from outside the top two.](/web/20160614095710im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/n/v/z/p/e/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.go2xxu.png/1460281634682.jpg)
Roy Ward Melbourne Victory are the lowest seed in the A-League finals but they fear no one.
Victory wanted to defend home ground: coach
![Victory coach Kevin Muscat thanks fans for their support after the game.](/web/20160614095710im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/2/o/5/8/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.go2nzb.png/1462791802655.jpg)
Roy Ward Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat said his players were determined to stop Brisbane Roar from raising the Premier's Plate at their home ground.
Victory hold off Roar, deny visitors Premier's Plate
![Victory goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas makes a crucial save in the dying stages of the game.](/web/20160614095710im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/2/n/d/0/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.go2gmi.png/1460259910793.jpg)
Roy Ward Melbourne Victory rested their stars but mustered every bit of their champion's pride to gain a finals-changing draw against Brisbane Roar on Saturday night.
Victory to take conservative approach on starting 11
![Arduous schedule: Victory coach Kevin Muscat gives instructions to his team during the round 26 A-League match against ...](/web/20160614095710im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/2/1/8/f/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.go20n2.png/1460112537188.jpg)
Jason Phelan Travel-weary Melbourne Victory look set to be without a host of first-choice players for Saturday night's A-League clash with Brisbane at AAMI Park.