A-League
A Brazilian Masterclass in Adelaide
Sydney FC showcased their resilience with a dramatic 3-3 draw against Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium, thanks to a sensational performance by Douglas Costa. The Brazilian maestro scored twice and assisted the crucial equalizer in stoppage time, proving his worth to the team in a thrilling A-League clash.
A Tale of Two Halves
Adelaide United struck first, with Archie Goodwin calmly slotting home in the 6th minute after a smart setup by Dylan Pierias. Sydney FC responded quickly through Costa’s thunderous left-footed strike in the 16th minute, igniting the visitors’ hopes.
However, the home side regained their lead through Stefan Mauk in the 25th minute, capitalizing on a chaotic defensive sequence. Sydney’s Joe Lolley nearly equalized on the stroke of halftime, but his shot soared over the bar.
Sydney’s Second-Half Struggles
The Sky Blues started the second half with intent, with Lolley and Rhyan Grant forcing Adelaide goalkeeper James Delianov into action. Alex Gurd also came agonizingly close, heading against the crossbar from a Douglas Costa set piece.
Adelaide seemed to have sealed the match in the 54th minute when Jay Barnett finished off a well-worked move to make it 3-1.
Costa’s Magic Spurs a Comeback
As the clock ticked down, Douglas Costa reignited Sydney’s charge. In the 89th minute, his curling cross caught everyone off guard, bouncing into the net to close the gap. Then, in the fifth minute of stoppage time, his perfectly delivered corner found Jordan Courtney-Perkins, who headed home the dramatic equalizer.
What They Said
Ufuk Talay, Sydney FC Head Coach:
“Douglas Costa is an asset for us and the league. I’m proud of the team for fighting until the end, but we need to tighten up defensively.”
Douglas Costa:
“Helping the team tonight feels amazing. I’ve just come back from injury, and this match shows we’re improving every day. Sydney is starting to feel like home.”
Rhyan Grant:
“Not our best performance, but the character we showed was incredible. Douglas Costa’s brilliance made all the difference tonight.”
Key Moments
•6’: Archie Goodwin opens the scoring for Adelaide with a composed finish.
•16’: Costa equalizes with a stunning left-footed strike from the edge of the box.
•54’: Jay Barnett restores Adelaide’s two-goal lead with a precise finish.
•89’: Costa’s cross surprises Delianov, bouncing into the far post.
•90’+5’: Courtney-Perkins heads home Costa’s corner to complete the comeback.
Looking Ahead
Sydney FC will aim to build on this momentum as they face Melbourne Victory on Saturday, December 28, at Allianz Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:35 PM.
