Adelaide United assistant coach Luciano Trani says their strong start to the AFC Champions League provides an opportunity for a positive outcome from an otherwise disappointing season.

While the Reds poor A-League performances have left them sitting ninth and out of reach of a finals place, maximum points from their two games in the ACL has them at the top of Group E.

Their most recent victory, a 2 - 0 result against Gamba Osaka, saw them become the first Australian side to defeat the Japanese powerhouse.

Acting coach Trani, in charge for the unlicensed John Kosmina, said the result showed that Adelaide has what it takes to be successful.

"Tuesday night was a chance for the players to make up for what has been a poor season in the A-League," he said according to footballaustralia.com.au.

"We've just seen that if the outcomes in terms of our discipline are there, anything can be achieved."

"It's like everything – if you are organised from the start you are always going to give yourself a chance of being competitive."

The Reds attention must now turn to avoiding the dreaded wooden spoon for the second time.

Adelaide need to take at least a point from their final round clash with Melbourne Heart on Friday night, or else a Gold Coast win would put them at risk of bottom place.