Victory trailed 2-1 after Cassio slotted a brilliant free kick in the 66th minute but they rallied and scored twice in three minutes to record an amazing win away from home.

Nine minutes from time Kevin Muscat slotted his second penalty of the contest and then on 84 minutes Billy Celeski finally found an opening in a desperate Adelaide defence.

United blocked a couple of attempts but Celeski managed to shunt the ball across the line from close range.

Adelaide had initially taken a 1-0 lead after Cristiano earned his side a penalty kick midway through the first half.

Rody Vargas was penalised but television replays showed there had been no contact whatsover.

Dodd stepped up to the spot and his shot just beat Michael Theoklitos' left hand.

The referee then called the kick back but Dodd had no trouble knocking it into the back of the net for a second time.

Melbourne lifted their intensity after the break and earned their first penalty kick in similar circumstances. Vargas was met solidly by Cristiano in the box and took several minutes to get off the turf.

Muscat was more spritely in his actions however - he quickly took the penalty and hammered it straight for the equaliser.

After scoring, the Reds' perennial bogey man quickly collected the ball, ran to a pocket of Victory supporters and let loose with some almighty celebrations.

The result broke a two-game losing streak for Victory while the Reds will have no time to reflect on the loss as they travel to Japan for the first leg of the ACL final on Wednesday

Earlier it was a willing and entertaining first half with both sides putting together some menacing plays in attack.

Danny Allsopp and Tom Pondeljak were particularly dangerous for the visitors with both making 17-year-old goalkeeper Mark Birighitti earn his keep.

At the 25th minute Pondeljak's found some space only metres from goal but his shot smashed into the right hand post.

Allsopp's best chance came 12 minutes later with the nimble Victory player evading traffic to set up a free shot. He got good connection but his shot was blocked by Birighitti.

The Reds' Brazilian players were in good touch with Cassio giving off some deft passes, Alemao was controlling the ball under pressure while Cristiano was a good target around the 'D'.

Apart from the penalty, Cristiano had United's best attempt for the half. He weaved right and then left before getting a clear shot which he sent left of its desired target.

Melbourne came out all guns blazing in the second half with Evan Berger threatening the goals in the opening minutes after the break.

And then two shots in quick succession were stopped by the quick reflexes of Birighitti.

The young goalkeeper had no answer to Muscat's penalty however.

Cassio struck back for the home side butVictory just kept on coming.