Defending Hyundai A-League Champions Brisbane Roar will play fourth-placed Adelaide United next Sunday in the first week of the finals series.
Defending Hyundai A-League Champions Brisbane Roar will play fourth-placed Adelaide United next Sunday in the first week of the finals series.
After wrapping up fifth place on the competition ladder with a 3-1 win over Sydney FC on Thursday night, Brisbane played the waiting game over the Easter weekend to see who their finals opponents would be.
In their final match of the season, Adelaide drew 1-1 to Perth Glory at nib Stadium last night meaning the Reds finished in fourth spot after third-placed Melbourne Victory beat wooden spooners Wellington Phoenix 3-2 today at Westpac Stadium.
Brisbane Roar Head Coach Mike Mulvey said finals preparations had already begun for his side, who he feels can still improve ahead of the knock-out series.
“The preparation for the final started the minute after the game finished, regardless of the opposition,” Mulvey said.
“It will continue tomorrow with a normal week of training because I don’t see any reason to change anything.
“I feel like we’re playing good football and the players are in good spirits, which was there for all to see on Thursday night.
“But we’re not taking anything for granted – we’re on an upwards spiral but we must continue to improve and continue to work hard – that’s our mindset.
“We want to win the game so we have to make sure we play good football for 90 minutes at not switch off at any point.”
With the Hyundai A-League’s new finals series format, Premiers’ Plate winners Western Sydney Wanderers and second-placed Central Coast Mariners will be out of action for the first week of finals.
Melbourne Victory host sixth-placed Glory on Friday, 5 April in the finals series opener at Etihad Stadium.
Over the weekend of April 13/14, the Wanderers will then play the lowest-ranked qualifying team from the first week of finals and the Mariners will face the higher-placed winning club.
The Hyundai A-League Grand Final 2013 is earmarked for Sunday, 21 April.
HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE KNOCK-OUT FINAL
Adelaide United v Brisbane Roar
Sunday, 7 April 2013
Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide
Kick-off: 4.30pm local time (4.00pm Brisbane time)
Ticketing information available from Ticketek or head to the match with Roar Travel!
