Skipper Eugene Galekovic believes Adelaide United’s drought-breaking Hyundai A-League win on Sunday could be the catalyst for a repeat of their stunning title-winning success of last season.
The champions finally secured their first win of the 2016/17 Season at Coopers Stadium on Sunday, with Henrique’s brace enough for a 2-0 win over Wellington Phoenix.
Like last season, it has taken the Reds nine rounds to pick up their first victory.
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History will show the club went on an incredible winning run from that point, losing just once more all season to claim the Premiership/Championship double.
“Last year we were in this situation and the aim was just to make the finals. But every win we got, we started to believe more and more,” Galekovic told Fox Sports.
“[But] we’re not looking at the end result. Another win next week and it builds momentum to believe we can make the finals.
“Once you’re in the [top] six then we believe we can make the top four, then top two and then win it like last year.”
Asked if this first win gave him belief the Reds could stage another incredible turnaround to the title, Galekovic said: “For sure. We did it last year so why not?”
Galekovic played a key role in Adelaide’s win, saving Roy Krishna’s early penalty to keep scores level before Henrique stole the show.
Making his first start in six weeks, “Slippery Fish” hit a pair of stunning first-time strikes from outside the box to have Coopers Stadium rocking.
While delighted to have played a major role in Adelaide’s win, Henrique insists it will mean nothing unless they back it up away at Brisbane Roar next weekend.
“Last season is gone. We have to be proud what Adelaide did last season but last season is gone,” he said.
“Most important now this performance has to be a benchmark. We can drop below this, so now keep going.”
Phoenix gloveman Glen Moss said the manner of the goals his side conceded was a disappointing aspect of the defeat.
While admitting Krishna’s missed penalty was a turning point in the match, Moss felt his side didn’t show enough character to earn a result.
“It was a very good save [by Galekovic], it would have been nice to go one-up that’s for sure,” the keeper said of the penalty miss.
“But we need to show that fight and that spirit that we showed last week against Melbourne City and that wasn’t there tonight.
“We were hard done by last week but certainly not tonight.”
