Diego and Richie Alagich both found the back of the net to secure all three points for the Reds despite a late goal from Binh Duong’s South African striker Philani five minutes from full time.

The result leaves the Reds on top of Group E at the half way mark of the Group Stage and still well in contention to progress to the knockout stage of the competition.

From the kick-off, it took Adelaide just two minutes to threaten Binh Duong’s goal.

Lucas Pantelis struck a swinging volley on target from inside the penalty area, Binh Duong’s keeper The Anh Nguyen called into action to prevent The Reds from taking an early lead.

Searching for an early advantage, in the 10th minute United did come up with the opening goal, an Alagich free kick from the right not handled by the Binh Duong defence and with the keeper off his line, Travis Dodd headed the ball across the goal face and Diego was positioned perfectly to head the ball in from point blank range.

Diego’s goal was immediately followed by a lengthy delay as The Anh Nguyen was carried off the field after injuring himself trying to deal with Alagich’s free kick.

With the lead, the Reds slowed the tempo down and focused on keeping possession across the back as they looked to conserve energy in the hot and humid conditions.

Binh Duong’s first chance came after 25 minutes when Philani had two attempted headers within a minute but they both came up empty.

Moments later some fancy work from Philani on the right then gave Anh Duc Nguyen a chance as he rose above Costanzo but his header was off target.

United was able to hold onto its lead going into the half time break as the match lacked serious intensity and pace, the energy sapping conditions having an impact.

Into the second 45 minutes, neither team could manufacture any clear cut chances until the 77th minute when United went two goals in front.

Alagich, playing in his final competition for United before retirement, made the most of a deflection with a diving header into an open net giving him a goal to savour and a valuable one for The Reds.

Looking to have secured the result, United was then given a scare in the 85th minute when the lively Philani curled in an impressive free kick to keep the home side in with a chance of salvaging a point.

The home side tried for an equaliser with some late pressure but defender Robson De Lima’s second caution and resultant send off meant Adelaide United would keep its perfect 2008 AFC Champions League away record in tact.

The Reds now return home to prepare for the reverse leg against Becamex Binh Duong at Hindmarsh Stadium on Wednesday 23 April.

In the other Group E match, Chinese champions Changchun Yatai defeated Korea’s Pohang Steelers 1-0 in Changchun. The Chinese team’s win keeps it equal on points with Adelaide United but the Reds remain on top with a superior goal difference.

Match Details
Adelaide United FC (AUS) 2
Diego 10’, Alagich 77’
Becamex Binh Duong (VIE) 1
Philani 85’

@ Binh Duong Stadium
Referee: Atallah Jatli Al Enezi (Kuwait)

Adelaide United: 30.Eugene GALEKOVIC (gk), 2.Richie ALAGICH, 4.Angelo COSTANZO, 6.CASSIO, 7.Lucas PANTELIS (14.Shaun ONTONG 90’), 10.Nathan BURNS, 13.Travis DODD (Captain), 15.Jonas SALLEY, 18.Robert CORNTHWAITE, 19.Sasa OGNENOVSKI, 21.Jason SPAGNUOLO (23.Dez GIRALDI 78’), 22.DIEGO.

Yellow Cards: Ognenovski 68’, Costanzo 84’
Red Cards: Nil

Becamex Binh Duong: 1.The Anh Nguyen (16.Minh Quang Tran 10’), 3.Minh Doc Pham, 5.Dinh Phuoc Pham, 10.Philani, 11.Anh Duc Nguyen, 14.Hoang Nam Nguyen (6.Vu Phong Nguyen 51’), 18.Robson De Lima, 20.Quang Thanh Huynh, 21.Van Linh Nguyen, 22.Cong Minh Phung (8.Truong Giang Tran 83’), 23.Nhu Thanh Vu.

Yellow Cards: Robson De Lima 33’/88’, Philani 67’, Anh Duc Nguyen 84’
Red Cards: Robson De Lima 88’