Adelaide United continue their form in the AFC Champions League by qualifying for the knockout stages again despite a poor A-League season. Join us from 8pm AEST for score updates to see if the Reds can get past Nagoya Grampus in this knockout encounter.
The Reds have struggled against Japanese opponents in the past, they seem to have stabilized that problem with two wins from two over Gamba Osaka in the group stage which would give them plenty of confidence in this sudden-death encounter.
Adelaide’s group stage couldn’t have gone any better with four wins and a draw from their six games to finish top of the group and earn a home tie in the Round of 16.
While Nagoya have performed well in the competition, and are unbeaten, their domestic form has been worrying with just one win from their last four games in the J-League. It’s left them in 13th place in the league and out of contention for the title.
Adelaide player to watch: Sergio van Dijk – The experienced striker hasn’t been John Kosmina’s first choice of late but is still a deadly finisher in front of goal.
He came off the bench to score the crucial opener against Gamba Osaka in the Reds’ last game and his form has the Adelaide boss considering whether or not to go with two strikers from the start for the do-or-die clash with the Japanese giants. Adelaide will need Van Dijk’s goals if they are to progress deep into the competition.
Nagoya player to watch: Josh Kennedy – The Socceroos star has struggled with injury of late but is still a major threat to Adelaide’s hopes of victory. He has three goals in eight J-League games so far this season which isn’t a bad return considering Nagoya’s poor start to the season domestically.
He has withdrawn from contention for Australia’s friendly with Denmark on Saturday to be available for the clash.
Defender Marcus Tulio Tanaka will also need to be watched closely. He’s not only hard to get past at the back but knows where the goal is and scored in both games against the Central Coast in the group stage
Verdict: Adelaide United have done a superb job in getting through to the knockout stages by topping their group. Considered the least likely of the three Australian sides to progress before the tournament, the Reds have defied the odds and done it on the back of a well-structured game plan, resolute defence but also some pretty impressive football.
It a matter of who can handle the pressure, you would certainly feel that the wonderful crowd at Hindmarsh will get the Reds home, even if the Grampus side are flourishing with international players.
Adelaide 2-1
asanchez
Roar Guru
Hugene produced probably the save of the season tonight! Just incredible! It has a slight resemblance of the old Gordon Banks save. Well done Adelaide, great game plan and tactics. That was an awesome game to watch. Into the last 8 now. The draw is on June 14, but the quarter final first leg is on the 19th September. The players can now enjoy their holidays!
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Ye Gods, Eugene is good. As Midfielder noted, it was also great to see a couple of kids with some game time on the park in such a crucial encounter. Fact remains, Adelaide know how to play in Asia.
pgedeon89
Roar Rookie
I think Adelaide deserved the win despite the dominating football by Grampus.. but the midfield were solid, they were well organised and drilled Kosmina got his tactics right, they moved the ball crisply, overall great footballing performance
AGO74
Guest
Great win Adelaide!
Stevo
Guest
Kossy packing the midfield to give little space to Nagoya proving good tactic in ACL. But Galeko pulling out fantastic saves - especially stopping header from Kennedy was amazing and a highlight. Probably man of the match. Good to see turnout at Hindmarsh with a great atmosphere tonight.
Roarsome
Guest
Thanks Midfielder! Great job AU. I'm off to Japan in 3 weeks. Fingers crossed dates will line up for a clash with Tokyo or Osaka. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Midfielder
Guest
game over 1 nill AU
MV Dave
Guest
Well done Adelaide...Galekovic unbelievable....great result also for the A League.
Roarsome
Guest
Score and time? -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Midfielder
Guest
FFS how will I sleep tonight ... AU played with real guts... Japanese played well as well... Kossie well done .... nay Bloody well done and with a 16 & 18 year old on the park....
pgedeon89
Roar Rookie
Wonderful performance!! Great grams! Reminds me a bit of Chelsea!! Give me your thoughts guys!?
Stevo
Guest
AU massive win! Galeko hero
Stevo
Guest
Even the post is putting in a good shift for AU - OMG!
Roarsome
Guest
Keep the updates coming -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Stevo
Guest
Wall setting up. Defend AU for Chrisake!
Stevo
Guest
Adelaide looking good and very entertaining - can this be possible? Great strike from SVD to hit the crossbar. If it was the Jabulani it would have made a last moment dip into the back of the net.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Eugod Godlekovic
pgedeon89
Roar Rookie
Adelaide are defending their heart out! Eugene Galekovic with top goalkeeping .. Thoughts?
John
Guest
Live stream here: http://www.hitsports.net/01.html 30' 0-0