A definitive game of two halves: controversy, goals, sending offs and an incredible comeback.

Adelaide United had their sights set on top four, while Brisbane Roar sought to overtake Western Sydney Wanderers into eighth place.

Brisbane's attacking trio of Henrique, Adam Taggart and Dylan Wenzel-Halls linked with superb intricacy, dismembering a sleeping Adelaide defence with some fanciful work on and off the ball.

When Ken Ilso was controversially sent off for an unseemly studs up challenge on Brisbane captain Matt McKay, the Roar ruthlessly capitalised through Henrique. But while Brisbane matched Adelaide in pressure, they were wasteful in possession - particularly the likes of Eric Bautheac.

As Adelaide gathered momentum, it slowly became clear this would be one of the clashes of the season. 

The Reds' fightback began with a typically effortless Isaias free kick and while Brisbane were unprepared in the second, they shot themselves in the boot through red cards to Jai Ingham and Jamie Young.

This paved the way for Craig Goodwin, George Blackwood and Nikola Mileusnic to finish the comeback to the sheer elation of Hindmarsh Stadium.

The match unearthed painful memories for Brisbane. It's only the second time in A-League history that a side has recovered from three goals down to win: the first was the Roar's 5-4 semi-final loss to Western Sydney Wanderers in 2016. (Credit to Oz football's statistical revelation @AndyHowe_statto).

While Brisbane’s interim manager Darren Davies is likely to see out a tough end to the season, Adelaide United and Marco Kurz can look forward to a competitive run towards finals football.

Adelaide United

Paul Izzo — 6

On the receiving end of some brilliant work from the Roar attacking trident in the first half, arriving too late to handle Henrique’s run through the defence in front of him. Was not helped by his side’s lack of urgency in defence for either of the Roar’s following goals.

Ryan Strain — 6.5

Bombed up and down, competing with passion for every possible loose ball. Sloppily handled Hingert’s cross in the lead up to the Roar’s second, but it was not completely his fault as the Adelaide defence completely mismanaged said cross. Had a much better second half.

Jordan Elsey — 7

Displayed composure and quality at times to keep things calm for his side at the back. Had plenty of time to plant a header either side of Young a few minutes after Ilso’s red, but he sent it straight in to the Roar stopper’s grateful arms.

Michael Jakobsen — 5

Truly an unmemorable game for the experienced defender, rarely looking to take the game by the scruff of its neck as he has done in the past. Nearly had a tiff with Brisbane coach Darren Davies late on as the centre back attempted to maintain his side’s momentum from a throw in.

Scott Galloway — 7

Considering he arrived at Adelaide as a trialist, the former Mariner has had a high-flying season with the Reds and continued such form today. Handled the wily Bautheac well.

Isaias — 8.5

Silky, ever reliable and rallied his troops when it was needed as he stepped up and curled a free kick well beyond Jamie Young.

The Reds fans love him and he loves to perform for them, demonstrating his magic on the ball and rectifying his side’s losses by winning back with precision. An indispensable component of Kurz’s side.

Nathan Konstandopoulos — 6

Lacked pace in moments where his good dribbling left him in strong positions to have an edge on the opposition. Brought off after an average first half.

Ryan Kitto — 5

Had a mixed bag of a first half, causing litte hassle for Dane Ingham whilst nearly finding a goal of his own late in the first half.

Craig Goodwin — 9

The peripheral Socceroo had to step up as his side went down a man in the first half, earnestly attempting to push his side forward to no avail as they were tightly marked by the Roar midfield.

With a few key substitutions, Goodwin was critical to changing the game for his side, scoring Adelaide’s second following Jamie Young’s sending off and his resultant free kick hitting the wall.

Ken Ilso — 1

Undeniable frustration rang out around Coopers Stadium following the dismissal of the Danish striker, who left his studs up on Matt McKay following a contest for the ball. From afar, it appears a cruel decision so early on.

George Blackwood — 6

Left isolated up front following the loss of his striking partner early on and had to wait patiently for his opportunity to strike, which he did, prodding home a header and the equaliser at 3-3 beyond Brendan White. Beyond taking his opportunity with class, he had a quiet game.

Subs

Mirko Boland — 7

Had a substantial impact from his introduction, adding some knowhow and stylishness to Adelaide’s play with his experience. Found some of his splintering drives unluckily blocked.

Nikola Mileusnic — 8

Whipped in some good crosses and was a significant part of Adelaide’s eventual comeback. Rose highest at the back post to put Adelaide ahead in the final minutes of extra time, culminating what was an insane match of football. What a hero.

Carlo Armiento — 7

His short cameo will no doubt be memorable for the youngster, as a mixed ten minutes peaked with the winger sending a divine cross in to the box, to which Mileusnic lapped up with sheer delight and headed past White in the Roar goal.

Brisbane Roar

Jamie Young — 3

Was a brilliant part of the scenes following Wenzel-Hall’s goal and mostly untroubled in the first half outside of Isaias’ free kick. Young received a red card half way through the second period as he found himself just outside the box and unable to use his hands, clattering in to Goodwin and earning a deserved send off.

A schoolboy error on his part; the type reserved for an outfielder thrust in to goal in a Sunday morning pub team after a heavy session the night before.

Jack Hingert — 7

Constantly a presence down the right flank, battling with Goodwin throughout the match. His cross in the lead up to the Roar’s second should have been dealt with in a better fashion, but it capped off a positive first half for the fullback.

Jacob Pepper — 6.5

While he handled some clearances with an astonishing lack of ability, he was incredibly effective aerially. Unlucky to see Goodwin’s finish deflect off of him past Brendan White.

Daniel Bowles — 6

Never gave up, similar to a 2010 World Cup era John Terry throwing himself at a Zlatko Dalic drive, the centre back perpetually hoofed and cleared balls all over the park, providing a consistent presence in defence.

Dane Ingham — 4

Naturally a right sided player, although he is no stranger to the left back position. Despite having a good game all round, the Roar youth product brought a red card on himself following two erroneous decisions on his part, leaving his side unnecessarily down when they were up.

Eric Bautheac — 5

Sporadic quality in his crossing and use of the ball, but he was incessant in his work rate and always showed desire on and off the ball.

Matt McKay — 7

Matched up well with Isaias from the early stages. Akin to Maximus Decimus Meridius stepping up to a crowd of scorned Romans, McKay revelled in the boos he received following Ilso’s red.

He may have come to regret what appeared to be an acknowledgment to his teammates that the red was unnecessary (without noting as such to the referee) as he went down with the ship late on.

Alex Lopez — 7

The Spaniard constantly sought to dictate play and did so with aplomb, utilising the wings well to push forward his side. Had to do a tremendous amount of defensive work in the second half and was therefore restricted in creating something for Brisbane going forward.

Henrique — 7.5

Thankfully for him, his manic celebrations in to the sideline camera were worthwhile as he slipped through the United defence and stepped past Izzo to put the ball in to the net, thus avoiding a moment reminiscent of a certain Kerem Bulut style offside goal celebration.

Slid the ball behind his back and through to Taggart sumptuously for the Roar’s third. A passenger in the second stanza.

Dylan Wenzel-Halls — 7

For all his impressive work as a substitute, the youngster appeared to be having an unremarkable first half up until the 35th minute where he drove through midfield to link up with Taggart to no avail.

Merely three minutes later, the NPL product stepped up and planted a well taken finish beyond Paul Izzo following some atrocious defending by the Adelaide backline.

Adam Taggart — 8

Connected with those around him with sophistication and foresight, smartly interweaving in between the Adelaide backline with Henrique for Brisbane’s opener.

Fantastically linked up with Henrique a second time as the slippery fish back heeled the ball to Taggart, who set himself from outside the box and sent a pulsating drive past the outstretched arms of Izzo.

Appeared to be the only legitimate attacking option for the Roar in the second half, setting up D’Agostino for an unbelievable end to the match, ultimately seeing the youngster’s shot go wide of the goal.

Subs

Stefan Nigro — 6

Shifted on the pitch as a result of the loss of Dane Ingham and was under the pump for the entirety, rarely able to venture forward.

Brendan White — 5

Undeniably, this was a ridiculously high pressure game to debut in and despite his best efforts, conceded two as Adelaide worked themselves back in to the game.

Possibly would have handled Goodwin’s low drive better had it not deflected off of Jacob Pepper’s trailing leg.

Nick D’Agostino — 5

Had one single moment, the kind every player dreams of, to change the game in the last moment and unfortunately put it wide.