The real spectacle at the Adelaide Oval were the two firecracker goals midfielder Vince Lia scored for the Reds.

Nearly without a club prior to the season beginning, Lia was given a lifeline by new coach Marco Kurz and the 32-year-old has already given back with a brace against the old rival… but how did Lia rate in this match?

ADELAIDE UNITED

Paul Izzo (GK) – 6.5

Wasn’t kept overly busy throughout the night; he was let down by his defence for the first goal and blindsided for the second. Made a few handy saves and occasionally looked to release quickly.

Michael Marrone – 7

Marrone was a constant presence on the right; always on the front foot and in the eyesight of his opposition down the flanks. He was sound defensively and showed a good tank to run all night.

Ersan Gulum – 6.5

The new recruit is forming a solid partnership with Jordan Elsey in defence and it showed prominently in the second half, clearing most of the danger which came their way.

Jordan Elsey – 6

Playing out from the back is not his strong suit. Tried too many times to play long balls forward which were beyond his capabilities and occasionally mistimed clearances which led to Victory chances, but Marco Kurz will be happy with the overall game of the stopper.

Ben Garuccio – 6.5

At times looked overwhelmed by the Barbarouses-Geria double act down Victory’s right side and some of his balls into midfield were rushed and aimless, but also rarely made a mistake and kept it away from the opposition. The left-back rarely blundered his crosses and enjoyed an attacking second half, being able to roam freely as Victory sat back.

Isaias (c) – 7.5

The maestro in midfield was clattered several times and didn’t have too much of the ball in the first half, but when he did he was spreading it long, wide and accurately to put Adelaide in good positions. His work defensively to anchor the entire Adelaide team is why he’s arguably the best defensive midfielder in the league.

Vince Lia – 8

You wouldn’t have noticed him had he not scored two thunderous goals, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Lia worked for a greater cause in midfield with Isaias and Adlung to keep Adelaide in constant motion, to continually pressure the Victory and to take them out of the game. He actually began the game poorly and should’ve been more accountable in getting in the way of the cross for Berisha’s header but redeemed himself with two peaches and a mountain of work.

Daniel Adlung – 7

A nice touch, snappy passes and quick bursts of creativity from midfield to construct movements for the Reds defined his game. The German moves and thinks two beats ahead of everyone else and always has extra time saved up his sleeve. Played 85 minutes.

Nikola Mileusnic – 6

For a someone who was playing in the NPL just over 12 months ago, Mileusnic has settled in well to a starting role (for the time being) in an A-League side. He made his runs, he looked for crosses and he set up some plays.

Johan Absalonsen – 8

One of two imports on a left wing in the match, he was arguably the best on the field as far as quality over 90 minutes goes. The Dane got himself into dangerous wide positions and is a smart decision maker. Two assists; his cross to set up the second goal was remarkable – he barely looked up yet found Lia perfectly.

George Blackwood – 6.5

Tasked with the hold-up centre forward role, you can’t say the striker didn’t try but he still requires development. He showed good strength for a youngster but needs to work on his left boot when facing the goal. He was tasked with marking Berisha for the first goal but was shaken off too easily.

Karim Matmour – 6

The Algerian played just over 20 minutes and instantly looked to link up and get balls into the area.

Nathan Konstandopoulos – N/A

Came on in the 85th minute, didn’t do enough to warrant a rating.

Ryan Kitto – N/A

Came on in stoppage time, didn’t do enough to warrant a rating.

MELBOURNE VICTORY

Lawrence Thomas (GK) – 6

Didn’t have much to do in the first half even despite the goal. Took aerial balls well and plays high off his line to anticipate early balls, but his distribution was off and found Adelaide players too often.

Jason Geria – 6

The right-back got forward, got high, made his crosses and looked good on attack. His form defensively varied from play-to-play in what was a hard shift marking Absalonsen.

Rhys Williams – 7.5

Supremely comfortable in defence and his experience as a midfielder showed. Williams was confident on the ball, played good passes and was more than happy to step out with smart runs to begin attacks from the back. Finally, a Delpierre replacement for Kevin Muscat.

Thomas Deng – 6.5

Did the simple things well and that’s all he had to do. Generally he timed his challenges well and won the ball in defence more often than not. He’s slotted back into the Victory side nicely.

Leigh Broxham – 5

Was worked over by Marrone down his side of the field but wasn’t comprehensively beaten. Broxham held up his end of the bargain defensively and kept Marrone and Mileusnic honest when they penetrated the final third, but didn’t offer much the other way.

Carl Valeri (c) – 5

Turned over a short pass and gave away a free kick in a dangerous spot early in the first half, his job was mainly defensive, trying to hold back waves of Adelaide attacks in the second half.

Mark Milligan – 5

The Socceroo had little impact on the match. Victory’s midfield was shut down by the pressure Adelaide were applying and didn’t make too many eye-catching passes in attack.

James Troisi – 5.5

Troisi often looked to pick up the play deep and create whilst moving forward, but was quickly taken out of the match as Adelaide began to dominate once they levelled the match. He wasn’t too effective.

Kosta Barbarouses – 6

The Kiwi winger was decent without being fantastic. He was restricted with how many runs he made but has a good partnership with Jason Geria on the right flank, overlapping each other often.

Leroy George – 7

An energetic start down the left side, George constantly ran and looked ahead. He swung in the cross for Berisha’s header and has very nice shape on his set pieces and long balls.

Besart Berisha – 6.5

Great header to open the scoring; got off his man, read the cross and knocked it in beautifully. Involved as ever, getting himself cautioned after scuffling with Elsey before the break. Might be in hot water during the week for shoving the fourth official.

Mitch Austin – 7

An effective substitute for Kevin Muscat. He came on for Leroy George and levelled the game at 2-2 when a ball kindly ricocheted towards him as Adelaide defenders were sprawled on the ground.

Jai Ingham – N/A

Came on in the 92nd minute, didn’t do enough to warrant a rating.