Isaías says Reds can use Elimination Final loss as motivation next season

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Conceding so soon after taking the lead against Melbourne Victory changed the momentum of the game, according to Adelaide United Captain, Isaías.

The Reds suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 Elimination Final defeat versus their arch rivals at AAMI Park on Sunday night.

Nikola Mileusnic put the Reds in front after getting on the end of a quick free-kick from Isaías on 57 minutes.

But the advantage was only fleeting as Leroy George headed the Victory back on level terms six minutes later

Adelaide struggled to regain control of proceedings before Besart Berisha executed a phenomenal bicycle kick in the 89th minute to end United’s campaign.

Isaías lamented Melbourne equalising almost immediately after the Reds scored and he believed it ultimately changed the complexion of the game.

“Once they scored the first goal I think we started to panic a little bit and we missed a little bit of experience,” he said.

“We started to lose a lot of balls and they started to believe that they can win and from there it was a little bit difficult to turn the situation.”

Despite the shattering loss, the Spaniard reserved praise for Berisha’s exquisite acrobatic effort.

“We know that they’ve this high quality up front,” he admitted.

“And Besart Berisha is one of the best strikers in the league and he scored a magnificent goal.

“I think we had our chances to win the game as well, but this game the luck went the other way.”

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However, the 31-year-old said he was impressed with his side’s start to the game, particularly in the first stanza as they suffocated Victory from playing their natural attacking style.

“I think we played a fantastic first-half and we had a few chances to score one or two goals,” he said.

“But in the last minutes of the game I think they started to push higher and we lost a little bit of the control of the game and they scored the two goals.”

Isaías also lauded the impact, Head Coach, Marco Kurz has had on this team in just his first year in charge of the Club.

“I think he’s a fantastic coach, I think he’s very close to the players,” he said.

“And he’s also very strict and this is a very good combination for the group and I think he’s a fantastic coach and he’s helping us a lot.”

He added that United can learn from Sunday’s experience and use that as motivation heading into next season with a young squad that will only improve.

“I think we’ve a young squad and we can learn from this kind of game,” he said.

“And we can improve for next season and I hope we’re stronger for next season.”