Adelaide United have defeated Sydney FC 2-1 in the opening game of the Isuzu UTE A-League 2025-26 season, giving new head coach Airton Andrioli his first league win in charge of the Reds.
Sydney FC had goalkeeper Harrison Devenish-Meares to thank for keeping the scores level at half-time, with the shot-stopper making two top-class saves to thwart the Reds in the opening stages.
However, Adelaide’s dominance was rewarded early in the second half as a pinpoint Craig Goodwin corner was headed home by the diving Ryan Kitto in the 54th minute before Ethan Alagich then doubled their lead 10 minutes later, beating Devenish-Meares at his near post with a powerful strike.
Sydney captain Rhyan Grant rattled the post before talisman Joe Lolley halved the deficit in the 91st minute but the home side held on for a deserved victory in front of more than 12,000 fans at Coopers Stadium.
ROAR REVIVAL: 10-man Roar end opening day hoodoo with valiant win over Macarthur
Match highlights
CLICK HERE TO HEAD TO THE OFFICIAL MATCH CENTRE
What they said
Hear from coaches and players from both sides in the aftermath of Adelaide’s 2-1 win over Sydney FC.
Airton Andrioli: ‘He’s going to be a very important player for us’
New Adelaide boss Airton Andrioli was full of praise for his side after they sealed an opening round win over Sydney FC.
Sydney FC head coach Ufuk Talay: ‘There were some very good things today’
Sydney FC boss Ufuk Talay believes there were plenty of positives to take from Friday night’s 2-1 loss to Adelaide United, specifically when it comes to some of his new recruits
Ethan Alagich: ‘It’s good to have a coach that believes in you’
Midfield dynamo Ethan Alagich played every single minute for Adelaide United last season and the 21-year-old is off to a flying start this campaign, scoring the winning goal in the 2-1 win over Sydney.
A key cog in the heart of the Reds midfield, Alagich revealed post-game that he’s thriving under new head coach Airton Andrioli, given he’s been playing under the Brazilian since he was 12.
OTHER ACTION: Game-by-game preview: What you need to know for Round 1 of the Isuzu UTE A-League
Rhyan Grant: ‘All in all, it’s pretty disappointing’
Sydney FC skipper Rhyan Grant believes his side were simply beaten by a more clinical outfit on Friday night as they lost their season opener to Adelaide United.
However, the Sky Blues veteran refuted suggestions his side looked sluggish at Coopers Stadium.
