28 Jan Melbourne Victory make history in Japan

Melbourne Victory have shocked Kashima Antlers in Japan, winning through to the AFC Champions League group stage overnight.

Andrew Nabbout’s second-half strike was enough to secure a 1-0 win against their much-fancied Japanese opponents.

The result was Victory’s first ever win in Asia and comes after the side has won just two A-League games in the last two months.

They’ll join Chinese Super League runners-up Beijing FC, Thai champions Chiangrai United and FC Seoul in Group E of this year’s AFC Champions League.

Victory will play Beijing FC at AAMI Park on February 11 in their group opener.