Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Mitchell Langerak played the match of his life last night and it didn't go unnoticed by the opposing coach.

The 21-year old was the key to the Victory's first win of the Asian Champions League for 2010 when he continually thwarted Japanese club Kawasaki Frontale's forward forays, making brilliant diving saves and acrobatic blocks to keep his side in the game.

Kawasaki coach Tsutomu Takahata was adamant that Langerak's performance was the difference between his side winning and losing.

"He was amazing in this match. So many times when it looked as if we were about to score a goal, he pulled off great saves," he said.

"There's no doubt that tonight he proved the difference for them."

Takahata said that perhaps the travel factor had something to do with his team's loss but he did admit that the Victory were a quality side who punished them for not making the most of their chances.

"It's a long way over here and perhaps that was why we struggled tonight," he added.

"Early in the match we couldn't assert ourselves on the match as we did last week. While it is not the whole reason, it is part of why we were unable to play the same quality of football.

"It was clear that how Melbourne played last week was not their best. They are a very good side, a very disciplined side and they showed that tonight. We didn't put away our chances and they punished us."