Buckley said: "I am sure everyone in the Australian football family joins me in congratulating Adelaide on tonight's result.

"As a club, they are leading the way in the Hyundai A-League and all of us are delighted with Aurelio Vidmar, his players and all the people behind the scenes at the club."

Adelaide United is now half way to the Final of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League, with the second leg of the semi-final to be played in Bunyodkor's home city of Tashkent in two weeks time.

Buckley said that Adelaide United's participation in the Asian Champions League is another indicator of football entering a new era of professionalism in Australia.

"Their progress so far is a fantastic achievement for Australian club football, and all of us wish them well in two weeks time in Tashkent," said Buckley.

If Adelaide progress to the Final of the AFC Champions League, they will have home and away matches against either Gamba Osaka or the Urawa Red Diamonds (both of Japan), also playing tonight, in November.

As Japan is hosting the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup, if they get through to the Final after 90 minutes in Tashkent, Adelaide United would also automatically book a berth in the prestigious competition comprised of the leading clubs from each of FIFA's confederations.

"It's a 90 minute game, and we've got a full 90 to go in Tashkent.

"All football fans will be wanting to see Adelaide go on with it in two weeks time and all of us wish them well," Buckley said.