When Adelaide United last walked off a pitch away from home in Asia, Eugene Galekovic and Isaías were teammates, having helped the Reds fight back for a memorable draw in Japan.
Nearly a decade later, both are back on the road with the Club. This time, they are helping another generation prepare for its own Asian adventure.
Thursday night’s AFC Champions League Two meeting with BG Pathum United brings a full-circle moment for two much-loved figures in United’s history, with assistant coach Isaías and goalkeeping coach Galekovic now sharing their knowledge from the sidelines.
Both started the dramatic 3–3 draw against Gamba Osaka on 25 April 2017, United’s most recent competitive away fixture in Asia. As the Reds prepare to return to that stage in Thailand, their presence provides a connection between the players who experienced those earlier campaigns and those discovering continental football for the first time.
For Galekovic, the opportunity to be involved again is one he is embracing.
“It’s great to be involved again,” he said.
“It’s been a while for the Club, so to be back here in a different capacity, coaching, it’s good for the players to experience this.
“It’s different football, different conditions, and it’s another challenge for us leading into a new season.”
Between them, Galekovic and Isaías bring first-hand knowledge of representing Adelaide United in the AFC Champions League.
Galekovic made 33 appearances in the competition for the Reds, including two qualifying play-offs. Isaías made four, comprising the 2016 qualifier against Shandong Luneng and three group-stage appearances in 2017.
Those three matches saw Isaías line up alongside Galekovic in the away win over Jeju United, the draw in Osaka and the final home fixture against Jiangsu Suning. Their shared experience now offers a valuable resource for the current squad.
The Osaka encounter remains a reminder of the character required on these trips.
Trailing 2–0 early, United responded through Sergio Cirio and Jordan O’Doherty before falling behind again. Baba Diawara’s stoppage-time header eventually secured a point, giving travelling supporters and those watching back home one more moment to celebrate.
For Galekovic, it also came in the country he most enjoyed visiting during his playing days.
“I’ve just always liked going to Japan,” he said.
“Just the culture, the hospitality and the atmosphere they bring to games was second to none in Asia.”
His memories stretch back further, to United’s remarkable run to the 2008 AFC Champions League final. While the campaign ended in defeat to Gamba, the connection between the team and its supporters has stayed with him.
“Just the atmospheres at Coopers Stadium for the quarters, the semis and the final,” he recalled.
“Everyone wanted to be there, wanted to enjoy those moments with us. That’s what kind of stood out.”
Now, the challenge is helping the current group make the most of its opportunity.
Galekovic has already been sharing experiences with players during the journey to Thailand, while recognising the knowledge that exists within the squad itself.
He pointed to Juan Muñiz and Anselmo among those with Champions League experience, alongside other teammates familiar with playing in Asia.
“Just on the way here, I’ve talked to a few boys,” he said.
“Some boys have played in the Champions League … and a few boys have played in Asia as well, so they know what it’s like.”
For the younger Reds, having that experience available both among their teammates and on the coaching staff can help turn an unfamiliar challenge into something they feel prepared to face.
Galekovic’s message is straightforward: stay focused, understand the opposition and take responsibility for the job at hand.
“You have to be switched on for the whole game, focused,” he said.
“Everyone has their roles.”
That discipline will be important against BG Pathum United on Thursday, with the heat and humidity adding another consideration to United’s preparations.
“It’s going to be hot. We won’t be able to press the whole game. We’re going to have to take our moments,” Galekovic said.
“They’ve got foreigners that can punish us. So if we’re not switched on and focused, and knowing how we’re going to press and defend, then they will punish us.”
For supporters, there is something special about seeing Galekovic and Isaías involved as the Club begins travelling through Asia again.
Two players who helped shape United’s past are now helping others take their next steps, carrying those experiences into a new chapter.
And for Galekovic, the enjoyment of being part of it remains.
“Enjoy this experience again, and fight for something in Asia,” he said.
“Just enjoying every moment.”
