Melbourne Victory's Asian Champions League hopes are all but over after a dismal 2-1 home loss to Jeju United. Despite claims of a courageous defeat, the result leaves Melbourne's plans for progress in the region's elite competition in virtual tatters.

All the more galling for Victory was that they took the lead when Danny Allsopp struck a scrambled opener midway through the first-half.

But Park Hyun-Bem's 41st-minute effort put last year's K-League runners-up back in the contest before halftime.

The winner came after the break from Lee Hyun Ho, who struck with six minutes remaining on the clock.

Victory, which had sacked coach Ernie Merrick three days previously, had their chances, but were found wanting at the decisive moment.

Archie Thompson, who had claimed he had gone "stale" under Merrick, failed to find the back of the net as the fallen Aussie giants surrendered at home.