MELBOURNE, Australia (Interstat) — Melbourne Victory opened its A-League season with a 3-2 win over Perth Glory on Friday at AAMI Park.

The match defied a statistical projection favoring Victory, requiring a second-half comeback. Perth’s Trent Ostler opened the scoring in the 12th minute and later assisted Louis D’Arrigo’s strike just before halftime for a 2-0 lead.

Victory responded after the break. Nishan Velupillay cut the deficit in the 53rd minute before Santos equalized in the 69th. Substitute Khoa Ngo completed the comeback with the decisive goal in the 79th minute.

The result gives Melbourne Victory a winning start to both its A-League and overall campaign, while Perth Glory begins with a loss in each.