The miracle Melbourne City had been praying for to keep their Asian Champions League hopes alive has failed to materialise as Australia's sole representatives had their group-stage exit sealed.
But at least one Australian was left satisfied on Wednesday as Kevin Muscat ensured he would bow out as Yokohama F Marinos boss on a high as his Japanese side made it into the last-16.
After the agony of conceding a 99th minute equaliser against Chinese outfit Zhejiang in a 1-1 draw at Princes Park on Tuesday which meant they couldn't win their pool and automatically book a place in the knockout stages, Melbourne City were left clinging to the hope of advancing as one of the best three runners-up.
