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Reinstated striker Cristiano got Adelaide United’s topsy turvy season back on track with a double as they toppled league leaders Sydney FC 2-1 despite playing with 10 men for most of the game on Friday night.
Former Socceroo John Aloisi poached a late goal for the visitors, but they played second fiddle to a determined Reds side who had midfielder Fabian Barbiero sent off after just eight minutes for hauling down Mark Bridge racing in on goal.
Referee Strebre Delovski showed a straight red card to Barbiero, who acted in frustration trying to stop Bridge after the Sydney FC man took the ball from him on the halfway line and raced towards goal without any other defenders in his path.
That setback was forgotten in the 29th minute when Cristiano popped up to power a corner from Scott Jamieson in damp conditions and set up the Reds’ first win in three outings in front of 10,291 fans.
Cristiano’s second headed goal in the 54th minute, from another Jamieson free kick, trickled past in-form keeper Clint Bolton after taking a deflection off a defender.
Sydney coach Vitezslav Lavicka kept faith in the same 11 who demolished Melbourne 3-0 last outing, keeping fit again marquee striker Aloisi on the bench.
Aloisi was introduced in the 62nd minute for defender Shannon Cole and cut the margin in the 78th minute.
Midfielder Terry McFlynn fired in a firm shot, which Adelaide keeper Eugene Galekovic tipped onto the crossbar, but it fell invitingly for Aloisi to head home from close range.
But Adelaide hung on for their fourth win of the season, moving to equal fifth ahead of other matches this weekend.
Sydney now have only a tenuous hold on top position with Perth Glory and Gold Coast United within reach.
Adelaide coach Aurelio Vidmar shocked fans at the start, dropping striker Lloyd Owusu and Brazilian midfielder Cassio, starting Cristiano and teenager Mathew Leckie and holding midfielder Paul Reid’s return from injury.
Vidmar heaped praise on his players, their concerted pressure causing Sydney to crack at two set pieces to set up one of the club’s best wins.
“It was gusty, courageous. Everyone rolled their sleeves up,” said Vidmar, “It was a great night.”
Vidmar said Adelaide’s pressure on the man with the ball had been great, specially in the first half.
“I could see the boys were up for this game the past couple of days, the attitude was spot on tonight.”
Vidmar revealed he had only included two-goal hero Cristiano after the striker’s training efforts improved dramatically, just his fifth start this season.
“He (Cristiano) had to make a decision whether he wanted to work or sulk,” said the coach.
“He took the opportunity with both hands tonight.”
Sydney coach Lavicka was left ruing his side’s naivety at set pieces.
“Of course I’m disappointed but I have to congratulate Adelaide,” he said.
“They played very well and made it hard for us by playing very compact.”
Lavicka said Sydney had created some chances but the opposition had punished his team at two set pieces.
“We expected more from everyone,” he said.
Aloisi said Adelaide deserved the win despite Sydney hitting the post and being thwarted by some last ditch tackles from Rudan in the penalty area.
“He showed he’s still got it,” said the former Socceroo striker.
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