Adelaide United crashed out of the A-League finals after suffering a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Sydney FC on Saturday night.
The result sees Sydney FC face-off against fierce rivals Melbourne Victory for a chance to win the A-League grand final for a third time at AAMI Park next Sunday.
Bernie Ibini opened the scoring for the hosts with a clinically taken strike, after Chris Naumoff’s incisive cut-back found the 22-year-old on the edge of the area. Adelaide missed the chance to restore parity, passing up a number of glorious goal-scoring opportunities. Alex Brosque then scored two goals either side of half-time to punish the Reds’ profligacy with an audacious back-heel goal on the stroke of the interval, before netting his second in rather controversial fashion as Marc Janko was in an offside position.
Craig Goodwin made for a nervous finish when he went on an individual run and slotted the ball past the Sydney gloveman. However, his efforts were in vain, as Naumoff secured the emphatic victory in stoppage time and move into next weekend’s final full of confidence.
Bernie Ibini and Chris Naumoff showcase their talent
The duo were exceptional during proceedings and were one of the main reasons Graham Arnold’s men won the match. Indeed, both etched their name on the scoresheet as well as garnering an assist each in the trouncing of a Reds side that lacked composure in the final third. Ibini in particular was sharp and caused Adelaide’s defence a significant amount of problems in the first-half where the game was ultimately decided.
Naumoff also demonstrated his immense potential, following arguably a man-of-the-match performance at just the tender age of 19. The attacking-midfield was a huge threat for United, with the visitors struggling to contain the prodigy as he weaved past the Reds’ back-four on numerous occasions. His night was also capped off with a sumptuous finish to banish any unlikely hopes of an Adelaide comeback.
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Sydney’s hoodoo against Adelaide comes to an abrupt end
The Sky Blues finally ended its winless streak over the City of Churches outfit in the process, following its impressive triumph. It was just the second time since December 2009 that the Harbour side tasted victory over its counterparts at Allianz Stadium. In addition, it was Sydney’s first win in seven previously unsuccessful attempts and they achieved it when it mattered most for a spot in the A-League grand final.
Missed chances cost Adelaide dearly
A plethora of chances went begging for the Reds as Josep Gombau’s men could have easily got themselves back into the game had it taken its opportunities. Following Ibini’s strike, United had three notable instances to draw level. Sergio Cirio squandered the easiest of them all as his tame effort was hit straight at Vedran Janjetovic, when the Spaniard was one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Pablo Sanchez struck a beautifully hit freekick only for it to be unfortunately denied by the crossbar, while James Jeggo could have also netted when his glancing header was put wide. In the second-half, the theme was very much the same as Marcelo Carrusca curled a shot agonisingly past the post and defender Nigel Boogaard also saw his looping header end in the same outcome as the Argentine.
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Sydney meet Melbourne Victory for the ultimate prize
Aforementioned the pair will encounter in a highly anticipated affair. The two clubs have of course met before in an A-League grand final back in 2010. On that occasion it was the Sky Blues who won eventually on penalties 4-2, after nothing could separate them after extra-time. No doubt the two most consistent teams over the course of the regular season – justified by their positions in the league table – meaning it will make for an intriguing outing.
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