The win eases pressure on Victory Coach Kevin Muscat as the side went into the match with three consecutive defeats. 

Adelaide suffered their first loss since losing 5-0 to Melbourne City in January and now have to travel to Brisbane to try to return to the top four.

Melbourne Victory

Lawrence Thomas - 7

Quiet night for the Victory gloveman, he wasn't forced into a save until the 66th minute.

Jason Geria - 7

Had a chance to score his first A-League goal but headed over the bar before receiving a yellow for a foul on O'Doherty.

Rhys Williams - 7

Made four clearances but he didn't really have to defend an awful lot.

Thomas Deng - 7

Won four duels, and had three clearances and interceptions before cramp ended his night in the second half.

Leigh Broxham - 7

Broxham didn't have much to deal with at left back, He finished with 95 per cent passing accuracy

Matias Sanchez - 9

One of his best matches of the season. Had 91 touches, 75 passes, and won five tackles and 13 duels.

Terry Antonis - 8

Antonis continued his strong run of form. Only his central midfield partner Sanchez was more involved than he.

Kosta Barbarouses - 7

Didn't have the same impact on the left flank as we've come used to from him on the right flank this season.

James Troisi - 7

Was eager to get his name on the scoresheet, but the four fouls he conceded suggests he was maybe a little too eager.

 

Leroy George - 9

Set up another two goals and scored himself with a superb free-kick.

Besart Berisha - 7

Was quick on his feet to easily tuck away a third for his team. Muscat awarded him with an early shower, replacing him in the 86th minute.

SUBS

James Donachie - N/A

Came on for Deng in the final quarter of the match.

Christian Theoharos - N/A

Replaced George for the final 10 minutes.

Pierce Waring - N/A

Made his A-League debut in place of the league's all-time leading goal scorer. No pressure.

Adelaide United

Paul Izzo - 6

Would've liked a chance to do-over the first goals but did what he could to prevent Berisha's second half goal.

Ryan Strain - 7

The young right back was Adelaide's best. He created chances, made 63 passes won a couple of tackles, and 11 duels.

Jordan Elsey - 5

Elsey's passing wasn't always accurate but made a couple of clearances and interceptions.

Taylor Regan - 5

Couldn't prevent the first goal despite his best efforts. Then received his fifth yellow card of the season.

Ben Garuccio - 5

Delivered a handful of crosses but could never find a teammate.

Jordan O'Doherty - 6

Caused a few headaches for the Victory defenders, winning four fouls.

Isaias - 7

No Adelaide player had more touches or passes than Isaias but it wasn't enough to help his side avoid defeat.

Daniel Adlung - 6

Adlung was well involved with more than 50 touches and winning four duels. He was substituted just past the hour mark.

Nikola Mileusnic - 5

Only won two of the eight duels he contested. Subbed off before 70 minutes.

Ryan Kitto - 5

Didn't create much going forward and was replaced at half-time.

George Blackwood - 6

Had his side's best chance but couldn't direct his header on target. Was left isolated after Cavusevic's red card.

SUBS

Dzengis Cavusevic - N/A

Replaced Kitto at half-time. Then was sent off in the 55th for slapping Williams on the face.

Nathan Kostandopoulos - N/A

Brought on for Adlung midway through the second half.

Michael Marrone - N/A

Came on for Mileusnic and tried to get forward when he could.