Adelaide United take on Brisbane Roar in the A-League elimination final on Friday night. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:30pm (AEST).
Last weekend Adelaide United sent an ominous warning to their rivals ahead of the finals series, demolishing Melbourne City in match where the Reds returned to their brilliant best, ending a two-match losing streak.
Adelaide appeared as if they were scoring for fun, as the likes of Sergio Cirio and Craig Goodwin made life very difficult for the opposing defenders.
Meanwhile, Brisbane Roar defeated the Newcastle Jets in what was their second victory of the week, after a hard earned, spirit lifting win in China mid-week. The Roar, despite scraping into the finals on the back of Perth Glory’s exit, will view this match as a great opportunity to show the league that they still have what it takes.
If any team knows how to deliver success it’s the Roar, having won three championships. The Roar will compete in their fifth consecutive finals series, having won ten matches in the finals and only losing three, with one of those losses coming against Adelaide United in 2009.
Brisbane has beaten Adelaide in three out of their last five meetings, most recently defeating the Reds 2-3 in Adelaide. Brisbane has also claimed Adelaide as a home away from home, having been undefeated against the Reds in Adelaide in their last seven trips down south. Adelaide will certainly be out to end this hoodoo and progress further into the finals series.
Adelaide have flexed their muscle ahead of this finals clash against their formidable bogey side, as they welcome back many of their star players from injury, with Isaias, Marcelo Carrusca, Awer Mabil and James Jeggo all set to return, all of whom will certainly boost the spirits of the Adelaide players and fans. Michael Marrone (one-week suspension), Bruce Djite (groin injury) and Dylan Smith are set to miss the elimination final.
Brisbane, meanwhile, will make up to nine changes to the squad that defeated the Jets last week.
The venue for the match has been in the spotlight during the week, as Josep Gombau has labelled the Adelaide as a ‘neutral venue’. The Reds are playing away from their spiritual home at Coopers Stadium, where they have only lost three times all year (two of those losses being to the Roar).
This match of course marks the return of Carrusca from injury. Carrusca has been absent from action since March 29 and will be gunning for a return in midfield as he has had a standout season, contributing with seven goals and three assists. Carrusca’s return to the side will add some spice to what will be a great midfield battle between the two teams.
In a match that will be exhilarating from the opening whistle, both teams will have their eyes fixated upon a semi-finals birth. The match will be won in the midfield as both sides have led the league in dominating possession and have many routes towards goal.
However, Adelaide United, with the return of many of their star players, will be too good on the day as their use of the wings will prove too difficult for the Roar to shut down.
Prediction: Adelaide 2-0
Will the Reds continue their impressive form and march into the semis? Or will the Roar’s experience be the key in winning this match? Join The Roar from 7:15pm (AEST) for live scores and debate in our live blog.
elrollo
Guest
Agreed, Borello has tons of potential but just needs to stay focused sometimes.
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
My oh my, what a match! The match intensity was incredible right from the opening whistle as both sides gave it their all in what was an extraordinary match that went right to the death. Adelaide started the match the better of the two sides as Craig Goodwin scored one of the goals of the seasons, scoring a stunning free kick to send the Adelaide fans into raptures. After looking as though he had taken control of the match, the Roar equalised after Broich pounced on a McGowan turnover. The match from this point was turned on its head, as both teams threw countless attacks toward goal however, neither team could break the deadlock. Jamie Young in particular between the sticks pulled off some miraculous saves, keeping the Roar in the match, however his teammates on the opposite just couldn't capitalise on their opportunities to hit the front. Fans had to wait until the 87th when Awer Mabil scored from an incredible counter attack after a Brisbane corner, which ultimately won the match for the Reds. This match had a combined total of 29 shots on goal in what was a highly entertaining and attacking match. It just wasn't to be for the Roar, as they are unfortunately knocked out of the finals. The Reds meanwhile progress into the semis where they will travel to face Sydney FC, in what should be another thrilling contest. At full time it was: Adelaide 2 (Goodwin 7', Mabil 87') v Brisbane 1 ( Broich 27') That's it for me tonight, what did everyone think of the match? Thanks for joining us on The Roar tonight, until next time, have a good one :)
Stevo
Roar Rookie
The guy def has talent but made poor decisions. Needs to knuckle down and learn from someone like Broich.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Luv it how Gombau is over shaking hands with Broich, McKay and other opposition players. Seems a truly good guy. Well done Reds and Young did all he could to keep Brisvegas in it till the very end.
Waz
Guest
Borrello is a show-pony ... spends too much time on what style of beard he's wearing and not enough time practising actual football
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
FULL TIME Peter Green blows his whistle and the Reds are through to the semis! Adelaide had to do it the hard way tonight as they end their hoodoo in a thrilling contest in front 20,000 thousand here at the Adelaide Oval. A highly entertaining spectacle which produced some really special moments. At full time its: Adelaide 2-1 Brisbane. Adelaide march on into the semi-finals where they will play Sydney FC
jamesb
Guest
Next week Sydney v Adelaide Victory v Wellington/City
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
92' Under a minute to go and the Reds are holding it up by their attacking corner flag.
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
91' Possession will be very important in these last few minutes. Adelaide 2-1 Brisbane
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
90' There will be 3 minutes added onto this thrilling match. Is there enough time for the Roar? The Reds meanwhile win a free kick on the wing and will take their time here.
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
88' What an absolute thrilling contest! Are there any more twists to come? Adelaide meanwhile make a substitution as Craig Goodwin makes way for Cameron Watson. Adelaide 2-1 Brisbane
Lionheart
Guest
Handball in there.
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
GOAL Adelaide have hit the front! And it's Awer Mabil, the super substitute that has scored after a brilliant Adelaide counter attack. Jamie Young almost making another great save however it bounced awkwardly for him. Adelaide are leading with 3 minutes to go!
Stevo
Roar Rookie
MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIILLLL 2:1 REDS
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Goodwin gave it some violence and Young stuck out the mitts for another save.
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
85' Brattan's corner is headed away and the Reds are away here through Cirio.
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
84' CHANCE Jamie Young again with a tremendous save, this time denying Goodwin who fired a venomous shot on goal heading toward the top corner. Brisbane meanwhile on the counter as Borrello takes it wide and wins a corner for his side.
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
82' CHANCE Another chance goes begging for the Roar as Kaluderovic slides in and almost taps in a Brattan cross had it not been for Galekovic saving the ball on the line. Some exciting football here in Adelaide tonight!
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
81' CHANCE The Roar in attack this time as Kaluderovic fires a low shot however it beats the keeper and the post as it just goes wide of the goal. This match has lifted another gear! Who would've thought that would be possible? Adelaide 1-1 Brisbane
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
80' CHANCE What a terrific save by Jamie Young! Another brilliant save from Young as he dives and taps Cirio's curling shot onto the bar and out for a corner.