How our teams got on in this week’s Asian Champions League
Our side-s fortunes were at completely opposite ends of the spectrum this week, almost like their final A-League table positions, where Adelaide United finished bottom and Melbourne finished second.
The tables were turned this week though, as Adelaide continued their unbeaten march to the next round, where as Melbourne made it three losses from three without scoring a goal.
Adelaide-s home supporters were treated to a five goal thriller at the Hindmarsh stadium on Wednesday night but they nearly threw away what looked like a certain three points.
With the reds 1-0 up in the first half and the Japanese side down to 10-men, the fans could be forgiven for thinking that the game was in the bag.
Far from it, and sitting back and relaxing almost cost United the game.
15 minutes from time, Issei put the visitors and shell-shocked the home support who had to endure some tense moments late in the game.
The goal seemed to awaken Adelaide though and just three minutes after conceding, Cornthwaite scored a towering header to lock the scores at 2-2.
On 82 minutes a free kick from substitute Cassio took a wicked deflection and ended up being the winner on the night.
Despite some nervy moments late on, Adelaide managed to keep themselves at the top of the table and with a win in the next game, they could secure their passage into the next round.
Melbourne-s fortunes couldn-t have been more different as they were convincingly beaten 4-0 away by Kawasaki Frontale.
Melbourne were clearly struggling with fatigue after the epic Grand Final against Sydney just three days earlier and Kawasaki took full advantage of this scoring three goals in the opening 21 minutes.
For the remaining 60 minutes it was a rearguard action by an obviously tired Melbourne, who had every excuse to be suffering from fatigue and they managed to hold on until the last minute when they conceded a fourth.
The result means they must win all their three remaining games and wait for other results to go their way.
To be precise, they must rely on Beijing failing to pick up more than three points or Kawasaki six points in the final three matches.
Adelaide United face the return trip to this week-s opposition on Tuesday 30th which could see them qualify for the next round, where as Melbourne Victory fight to save their Champion-s League season as they host Kawasaki on the following night.
