The Roar had the ascendancy, and it was solidified by Eric Bautheac who put away a nicely placed free-kick into the top corner.

The one goal separated the sides, as Adelaide failed to offer something in return.

It was a vital win for John Aloisi's team, meanwhile, the Reds have now suffered back-to-back losses. 

Brisbane Roar

Jamie Young (GK) - 7

Largely untroubled in the first half and denied Mileusnic and Absolonsen any possibility to level proceedings in the second.

Jack Hingert – 7

Started the match off well, and galloped threateningly up-field with pace. Made accurate challenges to win the ball and was in control over Garuccio for most part.

Jade North - 6.5

Solid defensively and didn’t allow Adelaide much space.

Avraam Papadopoulos - 7

Good positioning and made crucial clearances to keep Adelaide out of clear range.

Ivan Franjic - 6

Provided cover and made vital interceptions.

Thomas Kristensen - 8

Had a superb match, as his great vision allowed him to deliver searching balls to his teammates. His combination with Khalfallah, Holman and Gameiro looked menacing.

Brett Holman - 8

Holman’s still got it. Didn’t stop running throughout the match which allowed him to spark counter attacks and combination play. His exhilaration also allowed him to find pockets of space to glide into.

Matt McKay – 6

Fairly quiet throughout the match but linked-up well.

Eric Bautheac - 8.5

Didn’t receive any Alex Tobin points, but was undoubtedly one of Brisbane’s best on the park. He launched counter-attacks and fed balls through.

Placed a beautiful free-kick into the top corner for the match winner.

Massimo Maccarone - 4

Not the happiest of nights for the Italian, and rightfully so when two clear chances are missed. He lacked the killer instinct after guiding his first chance wide and then missed a sitter. Didn’t do much else until he was subbed off.

Fahid Ben Khalfallah - 7

A solid game for the midfielder, providing crosses in due to great awareness and a neat first touch.

Did lack penetration in the final third despite having lots of possession in key areas.

SUBS

Corey Gameiro - 6.5

Was dangerous and energetic off of the bench, and had a great chance of his own. His side could have doubled their lead if he had the support up front.

Daniel Bowles - N/A

Didn’t do enough to warrant a fair rating

Henrique - N/A

Returned to Brisbane and looked lively, but didn’t do enough for a fair rating.

Adelaide United

Paul Izzo (GK) – 6

Palmed away a few of Brisbane’s shots in the first half. Conceded the direct free-kick but made a great double-save near the end of the match to keep it at 1-0.

Ryan Strain- 3

Read play well to win the ball in the early minutes, but gave away the free-kick on the edge of the box that led to a goal. Due to his booking, was subbed-off at the break.

Jordan Elsey - 5.5

Calm and collected in passing and tackling. But contributed to allowing Maccarone a chance. Is usually a lot better than what he was tonight.

Ersan Gulum - 5

Regained shape and positioning to clear balls in the area. Needed to do better in times of danger where the ball was in the area and apply more pressure

Ben Garuccio - 4.5

Made a few good plays but was outrun and outplayed for most part.

 

Jordan O’Doherty - 6.5

Skipped past Roar defence and was on the front foot for a chance. Brilliant ball sliced through for Mileunsic’s chance.

Isaias - 6

Closed down on opposition and showed urgency at times, but not quite enough to get his side back in the spirit of things.

Daniel Adlung - 6

Great passing through the midfield but didn’t provide killer balls in.

Nikola Mileusnic - 4

Couldn’t capitalise on a great chance and didn’t look promising or dangerous.

George Blackwood - 3

Couldn’t convert or create chances. Never looked like scoring.

Ryan Kitto - 5.5

Started second half brighter after an average first half. Ultimately lacked the execution of crosses for majority of the match.

SUBS

Michael Marrone - 6.5

Provided good cover in crucial moments in the defensive third.

Johan Absalonsen - 6.5

What Adelaide fans have been waiting for, the return of the Dane. And he personally didn’t disappoint in the time he was on the field. A positive for the Reds going forward.

Nathan Konstandopoulos - 6

Showed some great intent with a chance.