Two-goal hero Brendon Santalab says Western Sydney earned redemption for last week’s Sydney Derby disaster with their come-from-behind 2-1 win over Adelaide United on Friday night.
Trailing 1-0 until after the hour, Santalab turned the Grand Final rematch around for the visitors with two goals inside the final 25 minutes.
The Wanderers striker described the late comeback as indicative of his side’s fighting qualities.
Santalab brace inspires Wanderers in GF rematch
“We needed to react. Last week simply wasn’t good enough for us,” Santalab told Fox Sports.
“Tonight’s win is for our fans we disappointed so much last week. I asked for character from the boys this week and we definitely got that.
“It’s nice to always score but what’s important tonight is the win.
“To lose 4-0 last week (and to be) 1-0 down and come from behind is fantastic and it shows the character of the squad.”
Santalab came under scrutiny late in Friday’s match for a bruising foul on Reds midfielder James Holland which sparked calls for a red card from the home support.
“I’ll have to have a look at it. I know I didn’t get the ball. The boys were quite upset but that’s football,” the striker said.
