Melbourne Victory vs Gamba Osaka - May 3, 2016

Once again, The City of Melbourne and Melbourne Victory kindly invited international students and volunteers to watch them play another match in the AFC Champions League. This time, they played against Gamba Osaka.

Gülcan Koca came by to greet the Girl's Friendship Club soccer team.

As it was also possibly be the last match for Melbourne Victory star Archie Thompson, the fans were out in force holding up ‘Thanks Archie’ placards. The super fans, like Robin, had made their own.

To go into the Round of 16, Melbourne Victory either needed a win, or to do at least as well as the Suwon Bluewings, who were playing against Shanghai SIPG at the exact same time in South Korea. The need for Melbourne Victory to do as well as Suwon had a few people checking their phones to monitor how the other match was proceeding in the northern part of the world.

The first goal came early for Melbourne Victory. A hand ball inside the box allowed Melbourne Victory a penalty shot. Despite the goal keeper correctly anticipating to go right, Berisha still managed to convert and give the Victory an early lead.

It was followed within minutes by another goal from Archie Thompson. Melbourne Victory was leading 2-0, and would maintain that lead for most of the game.

However, in the 84th minute, Gamba scored, bringing the scores to 2-1. Meanwhile, over in Suwon, the Bluewings were leading 3-0 over Shanghai SIPG. If Osaka managed to score one more goal before the match finished, Victory would be out of the Round of 16!

The chaotic scenes of Gamba's goal.

Victory fans comprehending what just happened and the danger they were now in.

What seemed like would be a sure win now had Victory fans on the edges of their seats. Osaka kept pushing aggressively for an equalising goal as the game entered injury time. When the final whistle blew, the Victory fans let out a collective sigh of relief – Melbourne was going into the Round of 16!

A clearly elated Archie would get to play again for The Victory! As he did a lap around the stadium for the fans, he stopped for a photo with one of this biggest fans. Someone whose time in Melbourne is also drawing nearly to an end.

Both our times are near the end, let's cherish them together then! #ThanksArchie and here comes the Victory!- Robin

What a great match, and a great time for all lucky enough to be there. Thanks Melbourne Victory, thanks City of Melbourne and thanks Archie! Best wishes to all for May 17, when Melbourne Victory will face Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors!

See more photos in the album.