Marcelo Carrusca says there can be no argument Adelaide United are deserved champions after their pulsating 3-1 Hyundai A-League grand final win over Western Sydney Wanderers on Sunday.
The Reds completed one of the most extraordinary stories in A-League history by capturing their first A-League title, despite being winless and bottom of the league after round eight.
Adelaide United win Hyundai A-League Grand Final
But under first year coach Gui Amor they showed astonishing resolve and determination to go on an amazing running – losing just one of the next 21 matches – to end the season with the Premiership/Championship double.
“We will never forget something like this. We made history tonight,” Carrusca told Fox Sports.
“I just want to thank to all the people here tonight. It was unbelievable.
“It was a very tough season. From the bottom to the top it was very difficult for us but we showed character and we showed good football.
“In the end we deserved to be the champions.”
You certainly have to agree with the classy Argentine.
In a gripping decider, after a tense start the Reds took control before the break through goals to youngster Bruce Kamau and man-of-the-match Isaias, who struck a sublime free-kick.
Despite conceding early in the second half through a Scott Neville stunner, Adelaide weathered a fierce storm from the Wanderers before icing the result through substitute Pablo Sanchez in the last minute.
The only sour note for the Reds was an Achilles injury to defender Michael Marrone. But even with a potentially serious injury, there was no erasing the joy from the dependable right-back.
“It’s unbelievable to see how many Adelaide United fans are here tonight. The support it was unbelievable, I can’t explain it,” Marrone said.
“These moments don’t come around too often. Some players don’t even get to play in grand finals so to win one is unbelievable.
“We were definitely under the pump there [in the second half]. They made us run and a few of the boys started getting tired, especially second half.
“But in the end we came away with it. We scored some great goals and I’m so happy.”
