Barcelona youth product Isaias says Adelaide United’s sluggish start to the season made every game a mini final, ensuring they are battle-hardened for Sunday’s Hyundai A-League decider against Western Sydney Wanderers.
The Reds failed to win any of their first eight games this season forcing them to play catch-up for the rest of the campaign.
And history will show Gui Amor’s side did an exceptional job, losing just one of their last 20 matches to win the Premiers’ Plate and now sit 90 minutes away from a maiden championship.
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Having survived the pressure of cut-throat, must-win football for much of the season, Isaias feels his side thrive on the big occasion.
“Our mentality before was to play game-by-game, every game is a final,” the Spaniard told reporters in Adelaide.
“And of course this weekend is the biggest final. Absolutely we are excited to play this kind of game.”
Sunday’s game promises to be a battle between two sides with very little between them.
There has been three draws – and only one goal apiece – during the regular season clashes between the clubs.
Adelaide suffocated Melbourne City with their high intensity pressing in Friday’s Semi Final and are sure to employ similar tactics against Tony Popovic’s side.
“Normally in this style of games, the start is very, very hard because you need to play intense football,” the La Masia youth product said.
“We’ll see what happens in the final but I expect the same game.
“I’m expecting a hard game, a tough game. I expect a beautiful game for us, for them, and also for the fans. It’s a game to enjoy.”
Isaias, 29, has been one of the Reds’ most consistent players this season and admits Sunday’s decider would be the biggest game of his career.
He hosed down suggestions the Reds had an advantage, with a home final and two days’ extra rest, while the Wanderers were forced to endure extra-time to win their semi 5-4 over Brisbane.
“It’s true that they played extra-time but they have seven days to recover so I think they don’t have a problem,” Isaias said.
“It was a crazy game and very difficult what [Wanderers] did [to come back]. Every game is different and defensively they are still a very good team.”
