Ahead of Adelaide United’s away clash against Sydney FC here are four memorable wins over the reigning premiers at Allianz Stadium.
0-2 win – 02/04/16 @ Allianz Stadium
Adelaide went into their penultimate clash of the 2015/16 regular season knowing anything less than three points would seriously jeopardise their aspirations of securing the Premier’s Plate. However, Bruce Djité continued his scintillating scoring streak with a first-half brace. Michael Marrone’s dangerous cross took a heavy deflection forcing Vedran Janjetovic to save but his parried attempt fell into the path of the striker to poke home. He then doubled the Reds’ advantage with a quality drive from distance after connecting with Bruce Kamau’s initial blocked shot.
0-1 win – 04/04/15 @ Allianz Stadium
Adelaide were under the pump all match when the South Australians faced Sydney in Round 24 of the 2014/15 campaign. They were indebted to goalkeeper and captain Eugene Galekovic for a vintage display between the sticks. He pulled off a catalogue of stunning saves and it was fitting that he orchestrated the very goal that separated the two sides after he himself was responsible for keeping United in the game. Galekovic released Awer Mabil with a fabulous long pass and the winger did the rest, cutting in from the right wing and curling a left-footed strike into the far corner to seal a smash and grab victory.
0-3 win – 26/12/14 @ Allianz Stadium
Three goals in the final 25 minutes on Boxing Day in 2014 will go down as one of the most clinical displays to secure all three points. In the 67th minute, Michael Marrone threaded a through ball to Marcelo Carrusca, who squared the ball across for Bruce Djité to convert from close range. Fourteen minutes later the tie was effectively over when Pablo Sánchez and James Jeggo combined for the second goal. Sánchez played a ball out to Jeggo, whose cross found the Spaniard and he brilliantly directed his header into the top corner. Another well-crafted goal by the Reds made it 3-0 as Jeggo slipped through Sergio Cirio and he then played the ball to Awer Mabil to tap into an empty net.
1-3 win – 04/09/10 @ Allianz Stadium
Dutchman Sergio van Dijk did not open his account until Round 5 of the 2010/11 season, but it was worth the wait after slotting a free-kick nine minutes into proceedings. Mathew Leckie had the visitors 2-0 ahead before half-time courtesy of a quality one touch finish across the gloveman and into the bottom corner, whilst running at speed. Van Dijk’s second of the campaign came much quicker after the interval – as the old adage goes, when it rains it pours. The then 28-year-old completed his brace by pouncing on the loose ball in the area to turn and dispatch his effort beyond Liam Reddy. The Sky Blues netted a goal five minutes later but it proved a mere consolation.
Adelaide United face Sydney FC in Round 26 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Sunday, 8 April at Allianz Stadium. Kick-off is at 6.30pm ACST.
