Fahid Ben Khalfallah opened the scoring following an error by Isaias and Massimo Maccarone doubled the lead with a beautiful finish.

George Blackwood halved the deficit in the second period, tapping into an empty net off a  Nikola Mileusnic rebound. There was desperation at both ends but Adelaide couldn’t find the equaliser against Roar's resilient defence. 

Adelaide United

Paul Izzo (GK) - 6.5

Made some good, routine saves. Wasn’t able to do much after defensive errors led to goals.

Ryan Strain - 8

Proving to be a real revelation for the Reds with brilliant passes and crosses into the area. The rolling pass to Michael Marrone for a chance showed great maturity as well as stealing the ball off Corey Gameiro to spark Adelaide’s goal.

Jordan Elsey - 7.5

Started defensively well again and was solid throughout the match. The defender had a few headed efforts of his own.

Ersan Gulum - 5

Booked early in the game and had to walk a tightrope thereafter. Did well moving the ball up field.

Ben Garuccio - 6

Worked hard down the wing but needed to move the ball quicker and take chances.

Nathan Konstandopoulos - 7

An energetic start from the youngster, and made a crisp pass to Strain for one of his great crosses. Also provided plenty of opportunities for his side. Didn’t do well with Elsey’s pass which led to Adelaide conceding their second. Was subbed off in the 55th minute.

Isaias - 6

Had an upbeat start dominating the midfield. The Spaniard rarely puts a foot wrong but a heavy touch in a dangerous area caused his side to be punished.

Daniel Adlung - 6

Good passing, had a few chances but was mainly quiet.

Nikola Mileusnic - 8.5

Clever player who used his pace effectively. Picked out Konstandopoulos from six yards for a chance. Superb in creating space and chances. Excellent to round Jamie Young in the build-up for Blackwood’s goal.

George Blackwood - 6.5

Good anticipation to tap into the back of the net off the rebound.

Ryan Kitto - 7

Closed down Jack Hingert well. Found space among defenders due to his high work rate. Couldn’t capitalise on any chances.

SUBS

Johan Absalonsen - 7.5

The Great Dane returned and came on at half-time, picking out Kitto with neat passes and moments of skill. Sent some good balls into the box. Adelaide fans will be relieved to see him back.

Michael Marrone - 7.5

Skipped past players in the area to take a strike on goal, his shot smacking off the crossbar. Nice cross in for Blackwood’s header. Placed some threatening crosses into the penalty area.

Brisbane Roar

Jamie Young (GK) - 7

Stood tall to keep Adelaide out of the game. Could have done better with the goal but Mileusnic came off better in that situation.

Jack Hingert - 7

Pressured early but Adelaide were tough to contain in the opening stages. Worked well throughout the match, particularly in the second half.

Jacob Pepper - 6.5

Sliding block on Kitto from close range. Stopped Adelaide’s breakaway late in the second.

Luke DeVere - 7

Desperate defending with a block on Konstandopoulos’ shot.

Corey Brown - 7

Pace of Mileusnic was too much for Brown. Another desperate defender to keep Adelaide at bay.

Thomas Kristensen - 7

Good clearance thwarting Adelaide’s attack. Desperate defending in clearing the ball away the dangerous moments.

Fahid Ben Khalfallah - 8.5

Good vision to find Maccarone in the first chance for Roar. First goal for Brisbane, capitalising on Isaias error, good at reading that situation.

Quality steal and assist for second goal.

Matt McKay - 2

Was sent-off in the 45th minute following a blatant foul on Mileusnic and could have cost his team dearly.

Peter Skapetis - 5

Good chance against the run of play, but didn’t do much else.

Massimo Maccarone – 7.5

Neat pass in to Skapetis. Delightful, quality dink to make it 2-0 for Brisbane. Used his body well and technically sound.

Rahmat Akbari - 6

Good pressure and positioning in the box. Was subbed off at half-time.

SUBS

Mitchell Oxborrow - 6

Swift clearance from inside the box.

Corey Gameiro – N/A

Didn’t do enough for a fair rating.