Brisbane Roar has opened its Hyundai A-League title defence with a narrow 2-1 loss to Adelaide United at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.
Johnny Warren Medallist Thomas Broich opened the scoring early but the Reds fought back with a goal in each half to seal three points.
Goalkeeper Jamie Young was called into action just four minutes into his Roar debut when he spectacularly palmed Marcelo Carrusca’s diving header over the crossbar to keep it scoreless early.
Brisbane responded with several attacking raids and the pressure paid off in the 20th minute as Broich’s perfectly-weighted free-kick evaded everyone and crept inside the far post to make it 1-0.
The visitors steadied after the opener and drew level in the 33rd minute through Bruce Djite's unstoppable shot from outside the area.
Dimitri Petratos and Liam Miller both had chances to restore the lead before half time but were unable to convert, meaning the two sides entered the break level.
The second half started quietly but was brought to life in the 56th minute when the Reds took control through a James Donachie own goal, the defender turning an attempted clearance into his own net.
Brisbane’s task became even tougher midway through the second half with Matt McKay shown a straight red card for dissent.
The champions produced sustained pressure after the hour despite the numerical disadvantage and almost broke through in stoppage time, but a last-ditch tackle from Adelaide defender Tarek Elrich denied Henrique at the critical moment.
Mike Mulvey’s side will regroup ahead of next Sunday’s away trip to Perth Glory before returning home to Suncorp Stadium against Sydney FC on Friday, 24 October.
Brisbane Roar 1 (Thomas BROICH 20’)
Adelaide United 2 (Bruce DJITE 33’, own goal 56’)
