Hungry Reds target first away win of season in crucial ‘Original Rivalry’ battle with Melbourne Victory

Adelaide United’s early-season momentum is in danger of collapsing, with the Reds intent on beating the struggling Melbourne Victory after successive losses.

Adelaide United is desperate to avoid a third successive defeat this weekend, with the Reds’ encouraging start to the season quickly coming unstuck.

Having picked up three wins from their first five games under new coach Airton Andrioli, the Reds have lost back-to-back matches, including a 1-0 home loss to Brisbane on Sunday night, when they were outmuscled by the physical Roar outfit.

It’s a defeat that’s put greater emphasis on Adelaide’s “Original Rivalry” battle with cellar dwellers Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park on Saturday night.

“There is no point in dwelling on the loss now,” Reds winger Yaya Dukuly said.

“The best thing we can do is win on Saturday, and then everybody will forget that ever happened.”

Success this weekend would also break Adelaide’s away duck this season., with three of their Reds’ four losses having come on the road.

Yaya Dukuly has grown in confidence this season Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

“We haven’t won away yet … but maybe that’s a good thing coming into this match,” Dukuly said.

“It makes us hungrier. We all know how much it means. No one wants to lose, and they (Victory) know we’re coming for the fight.

“It’s going to be a big one for sure.”

Dukuly’s belief in his own ability has grown this season, wit the 22-year-old attacking weapon having started in all of Adelaide’s seven matches after making 15 of his 20 appearances in the Reds’ 2024-25 campaign off the bench.

“I’m feeling real confident. I get a lot of that confidence from my teammates and the coaching staff,” he said.

“They have a lot of belief in me to go out there and do what I do every week. It’s pretty easy when you’ve got the backing of the whole squad.

“The more you work, the more ready you’ll be when you get your chance.”

Originally published as Hungry Reds target first away win of season in crucial ‘Original Rivalry’ battle with Melbourne Victory