Brisbane Roar extended defending champions Adelaide United’s winless start to the season as they earned a 1-1 draw at Coopers Stadium. But at least the Reds picked up just their second point from the opening six rounds thanks to Sergi Guardiola’s equaliser. The Spanish marksman prevented United from slumping to a fifth straight defeat when he headed home 12 minutes from time. Brett Holman had given the visitors the lead on the hour mark, and the point keeps John Aloisi’s side at least temporarily in the top three.
Neither side could break the deadlock in the first half, though Tommy Oar’s long-range drive tested United keeper Eugene Galekovic.
Then defender Dylan McGowan came close to giving Adelaide the lead just before the interval, heading just wide from a free-kick.
The game was an end-to-end affair, with Holman finally putting the Roar ahead from a move featuring Matt McKay.
His pass put the former Socceroo into space and he unleashed a long-range effort that took a slight deflection on its way past Galekovic.
The goal put Holman – leading the Roar attack in the absence of Jamie Maclaren – into the A-League record books – it was his first in the Australian national league since he scored for Parramatta Power in 2002.
It wasn’t enough to secure the points, though, as the Reds pulled level with a goal Brisbane keeper Michael Theo will feel he should have saved.
Ben Garuccio’s dangerous cross was met by the head of Guardiola, and his effort back across the face of goal bounced past Theo into the net to give him his third goal in as many games.
Brisbane are 9/5 to win their next game against Sydney FC, who are 7/5 with the draw 12/5.
Brisbane are 9/1 to win the game 2-1.
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Source: Bet365