The Queenslanders had enjoyed a one-goal half-time lead, but were forced to come from behind with two goals inside the final 20 minutes to win the contest 3-2.

"In two years we've built a team to be proud of and in adversity when you're 2-1 down against 15,000 Reds supporters and you do what we did today, I'm very proud of my boys," Bleiberg told Fox Sports after the game.

Bleiberg added: "Congratulations to Adelaide they had a very good season. They started the season brilliantly and set the standard for this year's A-League."

While Adelaide's season is over, Gold Coast will now face Central Coast Mariners in next weekend's preliminary final at Bluetongue Stadium, with premiers Brisbane Roar awaiting the winner.

Shane Smeltz, who was the hero for United with two goals, was also delighted with the win.

"I think it was important to try and score first," Smeltz said. "I think it shocked them a little bit. To be fair, they came back at us, not once, but twice. Luckily we got the winner in the end."

Bruce Djite, who scored United's other goal, said his side performed well.

"It was a good performance from the boys, bit of a see-sawing game but that's finals football sometimes," Djite said.

Djite added the Mariners would be a major test in the preliminary final.

"I've seen them play the Roar and they played fantastically well, but if we keep doing what we're doing then you never know, it's finals football," Djite said.

United vice-captain Michael Thwaite was clearly delighted with the victory, and revelled in the atmosphere with over 15,000 fans cramming into Hindmarsh Stadium.

"This is where the A-League has come. It's fantastic so many people want to watch an incredible match. The standard of the A-League has lifted, almost to a European level," Thwaite said.