We'll admit we don't know much about the Hyundai A-League, also known as the Australian A League. We know that Alessandro Del Piero played there once, that it's presumably in Australia, there's probably some sort of soccer involved and that the games are at two in the freaking morning here in the USA. However, the end of this year's title race has drawn our gaze to that wonderful land down under because it is possibly the most intense title race in the world right now.
The A League table after Adelaide's victory. Photo: @TheWorldGame | Twitter
Coming in to the final weekend of the season, there was a mere five points separating first and fifth, meaning four teams had a chance at being crowned "premier" as they call it in Australia. The first match was between Adelaide United, who were second, and Melbourne City in fourth. Adelaide United won the game 2-0, which propelled them into top spot and knocked Melbourne City out of the race. As you can imagine with the stakes being so high, tensions were pretty high as well. That's why this happened.
We never knew the Australian game was so intense. We might have to start paying more attention to it in the future. Adelaide's victory knocked Melbourne City out of the running as well as third placed Western Sydney Wanderers, but they could still lose out if second placed Brisbane win their game.
Adelaide's win means no premiership this season. We can still finish top two and guarantee a home semi final #WSW
— WS Wanderers FC (@wswanderersfc) April 8, 2016
Impressive performance @AdelaideUnited top 2 spot guaranteed! Will be watching @brisbaneroar like a hawk 2morrow eve. What a race 2 plate!
— Tara Rushton (@TaraRushton) April 8, 2016
In the Australian A-League, the top two teams qualify for the AFC Champions League and the top six enter a playoff finals stage (sort of like the MLS), meaning there is still plenty to play for, and the table could still see a huge shift which hopefully means plenty more drama.
As part of this story, we decided to research the subject and see where we could watch some of this intense Aussie soccer. Alas, it appears no one has the TV rights for the Australian A League in the USA right now, which we think is pretty lame. Come on guys.
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