Sydney FC’s late-game heroics from the super-sub spark thrilling top-six shake-up

Desperate to end their winless streak, Adelaide started brightly in front of a full crowd at Coopers Stadium. However, in-form striker Archie Goodwin missed a chance to capitalise on some indecision from Sydney’s goalkeeper, Harrison Devenish-Meares, with a weak low shot that was easily saved.

Despite creating opportunities, Adelaide found themselves behind due to a blunder from Isuzu UTE A-League debutant Max Vartuli. Under pressure from Klimala and defender Bart Vriends, Vartuli mishandled a clearance, allowing Klimala to score a simple tap-in.

The Reds rallied and almost levelled the score, but Devenish-Meares made a brilliant save to deny Dylan Pierias’s close-range effort.

The Sydney goalkeeper was called upon again, this time thwarting Goodwin’s attempt to equalise by closing down the striker and smothering a powerful shot.

Brazilian star Douglas Costa nearly doubled Sydney’s lead with a spectacular effort that took a deflection, but Vartuli managed to execute a fine reaction save.

On the brink of their ACL Two semi-final clash next week in Singapore, Sydney’s coach Ufuk Talay faced a potential injury setback as central defender Alex Grant exited the field with what appeared to be a calf issue.

Trailing at half-time, Adelaide quickly responded, scoring less than a minute into the second half. Yull made a perfect run to collect Panagiotis Kikianis’s long ball, squaring it for Goodwin to smash home and level the match.

But as Adelaide levelled, Sydney’s Costa began to gain more space on the ball, using his skill to create chances. He set up Jordan Courtney-Perkins, whose drilled cross was palmed away by Vartuli, only for Klimala to pounce on the loose ball and score Sydney’s second.

Klimala almost completed his hat-trick before the hour mark; however, Vartuli produced a fantastic save to deflect the Pole’s curling shot around the post.

With Sydney on the attack, a close attempt from substitute Corey Hollman went just wide of the near post after receiving a cutback from Leo Sena.

Both teams pressed for a late winner, and Goodwin nearly found his second goal but was denied once again by the impressive Devenish-Meares during a one-on-one situation.

Goodwin finally netted his second in the 73rd minute, thanks to Dukuly’s brilliant play down the left. After teasing the Sydney defender, Dukuly found space for an exceptional cross that Goodwin headed home, becoming the outright leader in the Golden Boot race with his 12th goal of the season.

Both sides continued to push forward in search of a late winner. In the 91st minute, Sydney thought they had found the breakthrough, but Segecic spurned a golden opportunity, shooting wide after spinning his defender.

Yet the Sky Blues and Segecic had the last laugh at Coopers Stadium. With just a minute remaining of the five added minutes, Segecic received the ball from Anas Ouahim inside the box. His first effort was saved by Vartuli, but he quickly followed up with a powerful shot that found the net, sending the travelling Sydney FC supporters into raptures.