Adelaide United has produced a memorable night in Thailand, coming from behind to defeat BG Pathum United 2-1 and claim its first competitive away victory in Asia in almost a decade.
Craig Goodwin cancelled out Marin Jurina’s second-minute opener before Ethan Alagich struck the winner 13 minutes from time, securing a huge three points in hot and humid conditions in Pathum Thani.
The result maintains United’s perfect start to its AFC Champions League Two campaign, with Airton Andrioli’s side now sitting on six points from its opening two Group F matches.
In front of 4,317 supporters, Andrioli reshuffled his side for the challenging conditions.
Anselmo was deployed in a deeper midfield role, while Jay Barnett shifted to the left side of defence in the absence of the injured Ryan Kitto. Harry Crawford came into the side on the right of defence.
The hosts provided an immediate warning inside the opening minute when Lucas Andersen worked his way through the United defence before his attempt was blocked.
But BG Pathum would not have to wait long for the breakthrough.
The hosts attacked down United’s right and worked the ball into the area for Jurina, who managed to scramble his finish beyond Joshua Smits to give BG Pathum the lead after just two minutes.
It was a devastating start for the Reds, but their response was emphatic.
United quickly settled into the contest and began to take control in possession, with captain Goodwin forcing Saranon Anuin into a strong save with a powerful strike in the eighth minute.
Two minutes later, the skipper would not be denied.
From a corner, the ball fell to Goodwin on the edge of the box, and the captain met it first time with a thunderous strike into the bottom-right corner to restore parity and cap a superb response from the Reds.
The equaliser lifted the Reds, who began to play with increasing confidence despite the oppressive conditions.
Juan Muñiz was next to threaten, finding space for an effort that was comfortably gathered by Anuin.
At the other end, Smits produced one of the moments of the match in the 26th minute.
Andersen let fly with a powerful effort from distance that looked destined for the net, only for the Dutch goalkeeper to react brilliantly and tip the ball over the crossbar.
It was an outstanding save from Smits and an important intervention as the hosts enjoyed their strongest spell approaching half-time.
The Reds emerged from the changeroom with renewed energy, pressing BG Pathum higher up the pitch and playing with real intent.
Muñiz came within inches of giving United the lead around 10 minutes after the restart, unleashing a trademark free-kick from all of 35 yards which required Anuin to tip the ball over the crossbar.
From the resulting corner, the ball dropped invitingly for Goodwin outside the area, with the captain connecting sweetly on the volley and sending a fierce effort narrowly wide.
United continued to look increasingly comfortable as the match wore on.
Andrioli made his first changes just after the hour, introducing Ajak Riak for Brody Burkitt before Fabian Talladira replaced Barnett.
BG Pathum remained dangerous from distance, with Smits required to parry another effort before the Reds defence cleared the danger.
Joey Garuccio replaced Jonny Yull in the 73rd minute as United continued to search for a decisive second goal, while substitute Fabio Kaufmann fired wide for the hosts shortly afterwards.
Then, in the 77th minute, came the breakthrough.
A flowing United move ended with Muñiz finding Alagich, who turned superbly before driving an emphatic finish high into the net to send the travelling Reds into celebration.
It was no less than United deserved after an assured second-half performance in which Andrioli’s side continued to push despite the difficult conditions.
The Reds were then forced to show their composure as BG Pathum searched for a late equaliser.
With five minutes remaining, Goodwin and Anselmo were withdrawn, with Amlani Tatu introduced alongside Feyzo Kasumovic, who came on to make his Adelaide United debut.
United managed the closing stages with maturity, holding firm through nine minutes of additional time to secure a famous victory on Thai soil.
The win was Adelaide United’s first away from home in Asian competition since defeating Jeju United 3-1 in South Korea in April 2017.
Nearly a decade later, a new generation of Reds had created its own piece of history.
After opening the campaign with a 3-0 win over Tai Po at Hindmarsh Stadium, United now has six points from six and a platform to build on as its AFC Champions League Two campaign gathers momentum.
An emotional and memorable night in Thailand.
