The ‘Original Rivalry’ is a fixture that always wets the appetite. Synonymous with passion, drama and controversy – rarely is there ever a dull moment when Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory clash.
We start our countdown to Friday night’s massive game at Adelaide Oval by recalling some of our most memorable moments against our fierce rivals.
Sergio van Dijk’s free-kick screamer – 9 January 2011 @ AAMI Park
Adelaide had not beaten the Victory in their previous 11 matches, further compounded by 10 consecutive defeats heading into their Round 25 clash of the 2010/11 season at AAMI Park. The Reds had a slender 1-0 lead when Sergio van Dijk drove a swerving 30-yard free-kick past the hapless Michael Petkovic and into the top left corner. The spectacular strike sent the strong travelling Adelaide contingent into a frenzy as the Dutch-born Indonesian then added a second against the 10-man Victory 15 minutes later as United went on to claim a 4-1 win, finally ending their barren run.
Lucas Pantelis seals rout in style – 12 October 2007 @ Hindmarsh Stadium
Leading 3-1 in the 11th instalment of the ‘Original Rivalry’ in stoppage time, Adelaide were about to exact some form of revenge following the Grand Final defeat nine months earlier. The diminutive left-winger showcased his poise and precision after Travis Dodd’s deft touch in the centre of the park played in the then 25-year-old. Pantelis still had plenty of work to do, running at his opponent, before hitting a sweet left-footed strike into the top right corner to put the icing on the cake in the Round 8 match.
Greg Owens secures smash and grab win – 15 October 2006 @ Telstra Dome
While this match will always be remembered for the infamous sideline melee involving John Kosmina and Kevin Muscat – there was of course a game of football. And three minutes prior to that ruckus Adelaide had taken the lead against the run of play. Nathan Burns sparked a counter-attacking move, leaving Grant Brebner in his tracks to thread a pass to the vacant Greg Owens who clinically finished his one-on-one effort beyond the onrushing goalkeeper.
Adelaide’s rampant four goal first-half – 7 December 2012 @ Hindmarsh Stadium
Adelaide’s start to their Round 10 meeting was nothing short of rampant. Evan Kostopoulos’ brace bookended two stunning goals from Fabio Ferreira and Marcelo Carrusca, as the Reds netted four goals in the opening 35 minutes of action. Kostopoulos broke the deadlock on three minutes with an open goal cut-back before the Victory replied instantly. However, United retook the lead when Fabio Ferreira scored an audacious strike with the outside of his right foot, before Marcelo Carrusca slotted a superb curling strike of his own. Kostopoulos completed his double after nodding home Carrusca’s free-kick, with Adelaide holding on for a 4-2 win.
Bruce Kamau’s 90th minute winner – 19 February 2016 @ AAMI Park
The Reds were staring down the barrel of another winless outing in Melbourne until Bruce Kamau’s deflected shot stole all three points in dramatic fashion. A lung-busting run from midfield by Craig Goodwin saw the ball fall to Stefan Mauk, who spotted Kamau out wide and his finish took a heavy ricochet to beat ‘keeper Danny Vukovic – sealing Adelaide’s first win in Melbourne in five years.
Adelaide United host Melbourne Victory in Round 3 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Friday, 20 October at Adelaide Oval. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT.
