Matthew Leckie's goal on the stroke of half-time saw 2008 finalists Adelaide United down Asian Champions League holders Pohang Steelers with a 1-0 victory at Hindmarsh Stadium. The hosts put the disappointment of their bottom-placed finish in the A-League behind them to begin their Group H campaign in encouraging fashion.

A fairly even opening 45 minutes saw both sides have chances with Alexandro missing the target from close range after just five minutes, while Sergio van Dijk could not convert a couple of headers into goals. However, with the interval approaching, Adelaide took the lead as Leckie launched a devastating counter attack although was grateful for a slice of fortune that accompanied the goal.

Following a Pohang corner, the teenager won the ball on the edge of his own area before running the length of the pitch and into the opposition box, beating three men in the process. Leckie's endeavour then instigated a mix-up between keeper Shin Hwa-yong and Park Hee-chul and the defender's attempted clearance came back off the Adelaide player's boot and rolled through the Pohang custodian's legs.

The second-half was much the same story with Travis Dodd forcing Shin into a save with one effort before seeing another fly inches wide, while Pohang substitute Hwan Jin-Sung was also narrowly off target as Adelaide claimed the points.

Elsewhere, Han Peng's second-half header saw Shandong Luneng win 1-0 at Sanfrecce Hiroshima. The Chinese international headed home a corner 13 minutes from time as new coach Branko Ivankovic enjoyed a winning start to his side's Asian adventure at Hiroshima Big Arch Stadium.