Melbourne Victory bid farewell to a legend and ensured that their AFC Champions League fate is evenly poised after a 1-1 draw with Jeonbuk Motors on Tuesday night.
Striker Archie Thompson played his last home match in 11 seasons for the club in the ACL Round of 16, with the 11,542-strong crowd chanting his name throughout.
"It's been a long, long two or three weeks. The tear ducts are just about empty," Thompson said.
"That cheer the supporters gave me is something I'll live with the rest of my life.
"It's been a pleasure. An absolute pleasure."
Last month, Thompson was adamant he would continue his professional career despite Victory's decision to cut him but on Tuesday night he wasn't sure whether he would still do so.
"Call me at seven in the morning when I can't move and I might say 'I'm going to hang the boots up'," he said.
"Come later in the week when I'm feeling better it's like 'I'll go another year.'
"The decision is down to me ... you're a long time retired.
"Maybe I might get to local football. Maybe I'll go play six-a-side.
"Over 35s [or] Masters. Where I could actually have a beer before the game."
Thompson has one more appearance to come in navy blue -- the away leg in Jeonju next week -- and on this evidence Victory will have every reason to be positive of progression.
The first leg was a tense affair, beginning at a cracking pace and packed with chances.
Fine work from Leigh Broxham brought the opener. The diminutive utility showed his athleticism, rising high at a half-cleared corner to dink the ball in front of Jeonbuk goalkeeper Kwon Sun-tae. Besart Berisha then swooped in, heading home from close range.
Victory's lead, however, didn't last long. The lightest of touches from Matthieu Delpierre, who joined Thompson and Kosta Barbarouses in making farewell AAMI Park appearances, brought down impressive midfielder Han Kyo-won just outside the box.
Leonardo took the resulting free kick with such precision that Victory gloveman Lawrence Thomas moved only to pick the ball out of his net.
After Leonardo's equaliser, the Koreans sat back and soaked up the pressure.
Victory monstered possession but were thwarted by Jeonbuk's well-drilled defence.
To continue on into the last eight of the Asian Champions League, Kevin Muscat's side will need a win or goal-laden draw next Tuesday night.
Muscat said he would take his side to Korea without any fears and with plenty of hope.
"The tie is still wide open," he said. "We've scored in every one of our away trips this competition.
"We can take confidence from the amount of chances we created tonight."
Jeonbuk coach Choi Kang-hee said his side tired after the travel but did "pretty well."
"We have one more home game ... a home game is much advantage," he said through a translator.