A-League news and results: Adelaide United vs Melbourne City

Adelaide’s A-League premiership tilt is back on track — but only after a moment of controversy which could have resulted in a red card during a fiery clash with Melbourne City.

Adelaide United steered its A-League premiership hopes back on track, less than a week after critics had written the Reds off after capitulating to Sydney away.

However, the home side was made to suffer in a tough-fought 1-0 win over Melbourne City at Coopers Stadium on Friday night to bounce back from a 4-1 drubbing to the Sky Blues.

After a lacklustre first half, Adelaide scored with its first attempt on target in the second half, to sit two points adrift of table-topping Auckland with just 11 rounds before the finals series.

Adelaide’s Archie Goodwin scored with a timely header – his eighth of the season – losing his marker after a perfectly weighted Zach Clough corner to the edge of the six-yard box in the 52nd minute in front of more than 11,000 fans.

Coach Carl Veart’s half-time substitution – replacing Yaya Dukuly for Ben Folami – was the catalyst for a Reds revival.

Dukuly immediately put pressure on City right-back Callum Talbot when he was booked for a brash challenge on the winger two minutes before Goodwin’s goal.

Goodwin had an opportunity to score a second goal but ran out of steam and power with just City keeper Patrick Beach to beat before ending his shift for Austin Ayoubi in the 71st minute.

Reds captain Ryan Kitto said his side had a poor first half after failing to adjust to the strong southerly winds in the first half before the wind favoured the Reds in the second half.

“It shows great character,” Kitto told Paramount +.

“We were still in the game after the wind made it difficult.”

One of the finest headers you'll see in the Isuzu UTE A-League 😮‍💨👌@AdelaideUnited's Archie Goodwin moves up to second on the Golden Boot standings with this thumping header!

There's no stopping him now 😏

📺 Watch #ADLvMCY live NOW and exclusive on Paramount+ and 10 Play. pic.twitter.com/yBEkAYHE4b

— Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) February 7, 2025

MAUK’S LUCKY ESCAPE?

It was clear from kick-off that City had targeted Adelaide’s Stefan Mauk for special attention.

Mauk was not getting any room and in the 14th minute, he looked frustrated.

The Reds midfielder’s long lunge with his leg off the ground collected Beach in a duel.

Beach wasn’t injured, but Mauk’s attempted tackle perhaps warranted a second look from VAR.

Mauk got lucky when referee Ben Abraham brandished just a yellow card.

Samuel Souprayen wasn’t happy with Stefan Mauk.

Patrick Beach in pain.

VEART VS VIDMAR

Veart and City boss Aurelio Vidmar – who have been teammates and friends for the past four decades – showcased years of football knowledge in an intriguing first half where the visitors had eight shots compared to one in a scoreless first half.

Vidmar has legend status at Hindmarsh, where the southern “Vidmar” stand is named in his honour.

His side was far more polished, choking Adelaide with a stifling pressing game and eliminating the speed of the home side’s usual attacks.

At the same time, Vidmar’s men ensured Adelaide’s attacking outlet – right back Dylan Pierias — was always under pressure in his own half.

Intriguingly, City assistant coach Scott Jamieson – a former Adelaide and City player – was barking orders early before Vidmar engaged with his side.

Vidmar and Veart last featured for Adelaide United as players in the 5-0 preliminary NSL final drubbing to Perth Glory before Vidmar started his coaching career alongside the club’s inaugural coach John Kosmina.

Veart played his last match for the club in 2007 – an AFC Champions League match – under Vidmar who replaced Kosmina after the 6-0 grand final drubbing to Melbourne Victory.

SCOREBOARD

Adelaide United 1 (Archie Goodwin 52m) Melbourne City 0 at Coopers Stadium – Referee: Ben Abraham – Crowd: 11,270.