The A-League side now head to Saudi Arabia in the box seat after the 1-0 result in front of 20,053 at Wanderland. 

Tony Popovic’s men were outplayed in the opening stanza but managed to hold out Al Hilal, before the former Crystal Palace defender brought on Juric in what turned out to be an inspired substitution. 

Juric hadn’t played for seven weeks but needed only a few minutes to get the decisive touch on Antony Golec’s cross from the left. 

It was far from over though, with Wanderers keeper Ante Covic called upon for some huge saves in the closing stages. 

Western Sydney have the chance to be the first Aussie winners of the tournament when they travel to Riyadh next Sunday. 

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