The 2006 A-League champions were facing an uphill battle to progress from Group E after suffering a shock 2-1 defeat to Persik in Solo City a fortnight ago.

But they avenged that loss and revived their qualification hopes with a convincing victory at Parramatta Stadium.

Sydney dominated possession throughout, taking a 54th-minute lead through Corica. Alex Brosque then added a second in the 74th minute before Corica claimed his fourth goal of the competition in stoppage time.

The win means Sydney leapfrog Persik and return to second place, one point behind group leaders Urawa Reds with two games remaining.

Despite being without suspended captain Danilo Fernando, Persik looked dangerous on the counter-attack and had the game's first chance in the 11th minute.

Sydney defender Mark Rudan could only flick on a right-wing cross from Persik and was relieved to see Uruguayan midfielder Ronald Fagundez volley into the side-netting from a tight angle.

Sydney soon regained control and Brosque missed a gilt-edged opportunity in the 21st minute, misjudging Corica's right-wing cross and heading over unmarked from eight yards.

Mark Milligan returned from suspension for Sydney and almost opened the scoring in the 26th minute as he headed wide from Corica's right-wing corner, before firing over from David Zdrilic's lay-off.

However, the visitors again served notice of their threat as Christian Gonzalez made room on the edge of the Sydney box to unleash a fine left-footed strike, which was palmed away by Sydney goalkeeper Clint Bolton.

Rudan then headed home a Corica free-kick in the 37th minute but the home crowd's celebrations were short-lived as the goal was disallowed for pushing by the Sydney captain.

The hosts remained in charge after the break and Milligan again went close, unleashing a 30-yard drive which was tipped over by Persik keeper Kurnia Sandy.

But Sydney finally grabbed the lead moments later when Corica was on hand to sidefoot home after Zdrilic's header was parried by Sandy.

Sydney continued to press forward with Zdrilic bundling the ball narrowly wide before Milligan's pass inadvertently found its way to Brosque inside the Persik box, but the Sydney striker stumbled and scuffed his shot to safety.

Sandy was then injured as he scrambled to gather a loose ball and was replaced by Wahyudi, but the substitute keeper had barely touched the ball before Sydney doubled their advantage.

Terry McFlynn's long ball into the Persik box was headed down by Zdrilic for strike partner Brosque, who volleyed in off the inside of Wahyudi's right-hand post.

Substitute Adam Casey was then denied by Wahyudi before Corica struck again in stoppage time, converting McFlynn's cross at the back post.