Sydney FC extend A-League streak over Adelaide

Sydney FC have extended their undefeated streak over Adelaide, and consolidated at top of the ladder.

Paulo Retre of Sydney FC after scoring a goal during the round-13 A-League match against Adelaide United. Picture: AAP

The ink is still drying on his new contract, and Sydney FC midfielder Paulo Retre swiftly justified his extension with a brace against Adelaide United on Saturday night.

The 26-year-old signed a two-year deal on Thursday, and two days later he scored his first goals of the A-League season in a 2-1 victory over the Reds at Jubilee Oval in Sydney.

The first came in the 20th minute when Alex Baumjohann whipped in a corner to Kosta Barbarouses, whose shot was blocked by Reds keeper Paul Izzo.

Retre was on the spot for the rebound to give the Sky Blues the lead. Just seven minutes later he scored one of the goals of the season, rounding off brilliant lead-up work by Baumjohann and Barbarouses.

It was another tough night in sweltering conditions for Adelaide, who have not defeated Sydney FC in their last 11 meetings.

Drinks breaks were required, and at 9pm the mercury was still high at 34C.

The crowd of 10,219 sweated through the action until a late southerly cooled the atmosphere, though the breeze also brought bushfire smoke with it.

Earlier, Adelaide midfielder Riley McGree tapped in a goal in the 38th minute when he finished off a free kick from James Troisi.

The Reds could have scored in the fifth minute when George Blackwood headed in a goal, but it was ruled out due to a foul in the lead-up.

A late miss from Jordan Elsey from in front of the goals also left Adelaide ruing missed opportunities.

There was another moment of controversy early in the second half when an apparent handball from Adelaide’s Michael Maria in Sydney’s box went unpunished.

While the win extends Sydney’s undefeated streak over Adelaide, it also puts them nine points clear of Melbourne City at the top of the ladder. For Adelaide, the loss leaves them just one point ahead of the Western Sydney Wanderers in sixth.

Next week they will play Perth Glory at HBF Park, while the Sky Blues will face the Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium.

AAP