After getting their 2012 Asian Champions League campaign underway with a win, Adelaide United will be looking to continue their unbeaten record when they host Japanese outfit Gamba Osaka tonight. We’ll have live scores when it kicks off at 8.00pm AEDT.
As one of the true giants on the Asian club football landscape, there is never really a good time to face Gamba Osaka but tonight might be as good as any.
Gamba were thoroughly beaten 3-0 by Pohang Steelers in the opening game of Asian Champions League Group E and have lost their opening two J-League matches.
Even the most casual A-League observer would recognise that Adelaide United have hardly been sterling themselves in their domestic competition, yet an Asian Champions League run would mirror their 2008 appearance.
Then coached by Aurelio Vidmar, the Reds were languishing at the foot of the table but managed to go all the way through to the final of their competition.
Their opponent?
None other than tonight’s opponents Gamba, who routed them 5-0 over two legs. While the vast majority of the playing group have moved on from 2008 it isn’t hard to imagine the ‘revenge’ phrase being thrown around in the Reds’ dressing sheds prior to the match.
Tonight could be the right opportunity to get it.
Can the Reds make it two wins from two in Group E? Asian Champions League football returns to Adelaide tonight and we’ll be covering the match with up-to-date live scores from the commencement at 8.00pm AEDT and if you’re watching along, don’t hesitate to give us your opinion in the space below.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Well, that's food for thought.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
FACT: 10 of the starting XI for Gamba Osaka last night were also in the starting XI for Gamba on the w/e in their Derby match in the J-League against Cerezo Osaka (Gamba lost 2-1). The only change to Gamba's J-League team from the w/e was the inclusion of Takei for Futagawa. Futagawa was on the bench last night and came on in the 77'. So, unless, the story is also that Gamba played a 2nd string side in the J-League derby (!!) ... then I don't believe a single word about the myth that J-League sides are not sending full-strength teams to compete in the ACL! The starting XI for Gamba were technically, tactically & physically substandard last night. And, this SAME starting XI played in the J-League on the w/e.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Just noticed this off the twitter feed: "Mr__SFC "you're goin home in a barrell" chants ringing out over Hindmarsh. Not sure the Japanese get it though.... #ACLaugam" Bwahaha
Nathan of Perth
Guest
There is a gap, Fuss, Gamba Osaka is gunning for the J1 title so, like the K-League opponents that thrashed them at home, we're only seeing a tithe of Gamba's strength. Great effort by Adelaide though, comments on the Japanese board on Big Soccer say the Osakan coach was quite cheesed off.
SAMURAI
Roar Pro
This is sooooo funny!!!
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Wonderful win by AUFC - making a mockery of those, who try to convince us of a huge gap b/w football played by HAL & J-League clubs. Nothing about Gamba's football tonight for HAL clubs to worry about.
Ben from Brisbane
Guest
He said a good run would mirror their 2008 appearance, in which they had a poor domestic season but went through to the final in acl. He didn't say 2008 was their only appearance.
AGO74
Guest
This cannot be the same Adelaide United I have been watching this A-League season??!
Stevo
Guest
Yes, it easily become 2-2 or 4-0 Sigh!!!!
Behold
Roar Rookie
Momentum definitely starting to shift. The bus is definitely being put in park as Adelaide play for half time.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
So far AUFC are taking the J-League club apart. Gamba Osaka just a shadow of their former team that won the ACL & tonight they are technically & tactically incompetent. But, long way to go and we all know the dangers of a 2-0 scoreline!
Lexy
Guest
Shivers!!! have Adelaide got Chelsea-fever? Performing below-par in domestic competition yet killing it at the champions league!!! On ya United!!
ecko
Guest
... "yet an Asian Champions League run would mirror their only other appearance in 2008."?? This is Adelaide United's 4th ACL campaign. 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012.