ADELAIDE, Australia (Interstat) — Adelaide United opened its A-League season with a commanding 3-1 victory over Macarthur FC on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Coopers Stadium, powered by a dynamic two-goal performance from midfielder Anselmo.

The match, which drew a crowd of 12,367, saw the home side overcome an early deficit to deliver a statement win in front of its supporters. The result defied pregame projections from Interstat, whose game simulator had predicted a narrower 2-1 Adelaide victory, though its ELO rating system had heavily favored the hosts with a 74.10 percent win probability.

Macarthur stunned the stadium in just the seventh minute, capitalizing on a swift counterattack. Substitute Mitch Duke, who had entered the match early, finished a precise through ball from fellow substitute Anthony Caceres to give the visitors an unexpected lead.

Adelaide United controlled possession for long stretches but struggled to break down a resolute Macarthur defense in the first half. The tension increased just before halftime when Macarthur’s Dean Bosnjak was shown a yellow card in the 47th minute for a tactical foul.

The second half belonged entirely to the hosts. The equalizer arrived in the 63rd minute, sparked by a moment of individual brilliance. Anselmo received the ball at the edge of the penalty area, created space with a deft turn, and fired a low shot past the goalkeeper to level the score at 1-1.

The goal shifted the momentum decisively. Just 12 minutes later, Adelaide took the lead. Defender Panagiotis Kikianis rose highest to meet a perfectly delivered corner kick from Mitch Duke, who was booked for dissent shortly after his assist, and powered a header into the net in the 75th minute.

As Macarthur pushed forward in search of an equalizer, spaces opened at the back. Adelaide sealed the victory in the 89th minute. Anselmo completed his brace, calmly slotting home a rebound after a saved shot to make it 3-1. The build-up included a key pass from substitute Dean Bosnjak. Macarthur’s frustration showed late as Anthony Caceres received a yellow card in the 83rd minute for a reckless challenge.

The comprehensive win gives Adelaide United an ideal start to its A-League campaign, moving its season record to 1 win and 0 losses in the competition. Macarthur FC begins its season at 0 wins and 1 loss. The statistical dominance of Adelaide United was reflected in the final score, as the home side converted its persistent pressure into three second-half goals to claim all three points.