Adelaide United failed to secure the away win they wanted, but a crucial second-half equaliser from Harry Crawford on Saturday has put the Reds in a good position heading into this Friday night’s A-League semi-final second-leg clash against Auckland FC at Coopers Stadium.
Despite having yet to beat the Kiwi outfit in five games between the teams, the Reds fancy their chances of conquering the Black Knights in front of a packed house on home soil after securing a 1-1 first-leg draw at Go Media Stadium.
Trailing 1-0 after a first-half Auckland goal from ex-Adelaide winger Lachlan Brook, the Reds found the goal they were looking for in the 64th minute through Crawford.
The visitors then had a chance in stoppage-time to take an advantage going back to Adelaide, but substitute Juan Muniz’s long-distance strike hit the crossbar.
“We wanted to win, that was the result we came for, but a draw here is a good result going into next week at Coopers Stadium, where it’s an absolute fortress with our fans,” Crawford told Paramount Plus.
“It’s in our hands. Hopefully we can get the result there and go into the grand final.”
Reds coach Airton Andrioli said the Adelaide fans would be his team’s collective “12th player” on Friday.
“There’s no better place to be,” Andrioli said.
“Our supporters our incredible.”
There was no doubting that the Reds deserved to at least finish the first-leg on level terms after having two great chances to take the lead in the opening 10 minutes.
On both occasions, superb goalkeeping from Auckland’s Michael Woud denied them.
Woud’s first save frustrated Reds attacking weapon Jonny Yull, whose curling right-footed strike seemed destined for the top corner before the custodian intervened.
Yull then turned provider with a low cross that found his Brazilian teammate Anselmo de Moraes, who seemed certain to score, only to be foiled at point-blank range by Woud.
Adelaide had another good opportunity in the 12th minute, but Woud again frustrated the visitors, saving a shot from Crawford.
The Reds were made to pay for not capitalising on their chances, with Auckland going ahead in the 24th minute through Brook.
The opportunity came following a cross from Auckland captain Hiroki Sakai that was poorly cleared by Adelaide defender Panagiotis Kikianis.
The ball fell for Auckland midfielder Cameron Howieson who snatched at the opportunity.
However, the unmarked Brook pounced on the loose ball, and steered a left-footed strike into the bottom corner of the net.
The hosts again had the ball in the back of the net in the closing stages of the first-half, but Uruguayan ace Guillermo May was correctly ruled offside.
In a concern for the Black Knights ahead of the second leg, May was forced off early in the second-half with what appeared to be a lower leg injury.
Worse was to follow for the hosts when Adelaide scored 19 minutes into the second-half.
The chance was set up by winger Yaya Dukuly, who outpaced Sakai before delivering a low cross beyond the far post, where a sliding Crawford scored from close range.
Despite his side failing to hold on to its lead, Brook said Auckland was confident heading to Adelaide.
“It’s all to play for in the next game,” Brook said.
“I’m looking forward to it. The mentality is to go there and win.”
In a boost for the Reds, in-form striker Luka Jovanovic will be available for the second-leg after missing Saturday’s game through suspension.
