Both sides were coming off a mixed couple of weeks with the Victory being outplayed by Sydney FC last round before success in the Asian Champions League and Adelaide losing to Sydney 3-0, before ruining Western Sydney Wanderers' finals chances with a 3-2 away result.

In their four head-to-head battles this year it was Adelaide who had the edge winning two of the four but Victory demolished them in their last meeting at the same ground as tonight’s match, 3-0.

FINALS GALLERY: Victory v United

Despite playing to a very good game plan throughout, it was the Melbourne Victory’s stars who would win the day and set up a mouth-watering clash with Sydney FC in a Grand Final Re-Match next week.

MELBOURNE VICTORY

Lawrence Thomas – 7

Nervy start when his attempted clearance went straight into a charging Nikola Mileusnic. Rushed out when one on one with Nikola Mileusnic but didn’t have much of a choice.

Thomas Deng – 7.5

Provided width for the home team throughout and he burst forward with intent to lay off for Kosta Barbarouses who would eventually set-up the Victory’s equalizer. Was getting frustrated but did a good job to exploit space when it finally came.

Rhys Williams – 7

Used his frame to his advantage early and stood strong when needed. Booked for a trademark sliding challenge from behind on Baba Diawara but otherwise had a solid game.

James Donachie – 6.5

Forced the Adelaide attack wide and timed his runs well to shut down anything near the box.

Leigh Broxham – 7

The stalwart did a tidy job on much quicker opposition but did leave a trailing leg to earn a yellow card. Didn’t let his side down.

Carl Valeri – 7

Battled in midfield to try and wrestle control during Adelaide’s persistent press. Extremely fortunate to be on the field after a horrible studs up challenge on Ersan Gulum. Eventually won the arm-wrestle and helped open space for his side.

Terry Antonis – 6.5

A few flashes of class but spent most of the first half dispossessing the opposition and he won a few key challenges.

Kosta Barbarouses – 9

Got in behind on the left flank as he and Leroy George interchanged with each other. Was very busy throughout and looked the player most likely to create something for much of the game. It turned out to be the New Zealand international who provided both assists for the home side, to send them to a Grand Final re-match next week.

James Troisi – 6.5

The deep lying playmaker had some nice measurement on his passes. Lovely ball to give Leroy George a chance to take Victory to the lead but he fluffed his lines.

Leroy George – 8

Swaggered from sideline to sideline and everywhere in between. Given a wonderful chance by Kosta Barbarouses when he was played through but couldn’t capitalize. Headed home to draw his side level when he got over the top of Michael Marrone. Stood up when his side needed like he has so many times this season.

Besart Berisha – 7.5

Was kept quiet until the game opened up at 1-1 and did everything but score from a Leroy George sliding ball. The all-time A-League Leading Goalscorer produced yet again, with a wonderful volleyed finish to win the game for his side. Simply brilliant.

Substitutes

Kenny Athiu – N/A

Replaced Berisha after his show stopper to drain the clock.

Christian Theoharous – N/A

On in injury time to replace Leroy George to wind down the game.

Matias Sanchez – N/A

On with seconds remaining for James Troisi.

ADELAIDE UNITED

Paul Izzo – 6

Not called into any serious action until it was 1-1 and he denied Berisha brilliantly. Couldn’t do anything when Berisha smashed a volley past him to win the game.

Michael Marrone – 6

Barbarouses got in behind him in the opening stages as he tried to contribute to his sides attack when the opportunities arose. Got beaten for the equalizer by a charging Leroy George.

Ersan Gulum – 7

Had an ongoing battle with Besart Berisha and got the better of the Kosovan for most of the night. Flicked on a few headers in set-piece situations.

Jordan Elsey – 6.5

Kept the attacking quartet quiet with the help of Ersan Gulum and made a nuisance of himself. Couldn’t stop the Victory’s leading man from scoring the winner as he stood Elsey all ends up.

Ben Garuccio – 6

Crucial tackle to deny Leroy George a shooting opportunity just after the half-hour. Had a task of dealing with the Victory’s wingmen who constantly changed sides.

Isaias – 7.5

Wonderful through ball which made Lawrence Thomas come out to a contest which almost created a chance for Adelaide. The ever present pendulum pulled out a glorious ball to set speedster Nikola Mileusnic off and he didn’t waste the opportunity.

Daniel Adlung – 6

Whipped in corner after corner but his side couldn’t take advantage. Found Gulum with a free-kick who flicked it on with his head but it fell just wide. Closed down for the full 90 minutes but it wasn’t enough.

Nathan Konstandopoulos – 6.5

Almost chested his side to the lead on 28 minutes from a corner. Was a pest throughout and helped Adelaide in the battle of the midfield. Came off on 80 minutes for Vince Lia.

Johan Absalonsen – 6 

Played at the point of attack and just lacked the pace on occasions to get on the end of good build up. Tried a cheeky free-kick to Thomas’ near post but didn’t have enough power or disguise to beat him. Disappointing night for the Dane.

Nikola Mileusnic – 7.5 

His side tried time and time again to use his pace and it eventually came off when Isaias played a quick free-kick up field and the youngster beat everyone too it before toe poking past the onrushing Lawrence Thomas to put his side in the lead. Ran himself into an early substitution and was replaced by Ryan Kitto.

Baba Diawara – 6 

Spent a lot of his first half defending and shutting down. Forced a strong save from Lawrence Thomas on 60 minutes. Came off for George Blackwood on 87 minutes.

Substitutes

Ryan Kitto – 5.5

Replaced fellow speedster Nikola Mileusnic in the 72nd minute. Added some spark but couldn’t get into the right positions.

Vince Lia – 5.5

On in the 80th minute for Nathan Konstandopoulos. Provided a nice chip over the top to Kitto but nothing came from it.

George Blackwood – N/A

Given the chance to make a difference with less than 5 minutes to go in regular time. No chances to speak of.