A slice of magic from former Socceroo Goran Lozanovski allowed Adelaide City to snatch a dramatic 1-0 win over defending champion Olympic Sharks at Hindmarsh Stadium.

Lozanovski powered home an angled drive after skirting a defender in the 73rd minute to stun the minor premiers and open up the national soccer league finals race.

It lifted a huge weight off City which started the new, round-robin format finals series six points behind the Sharks.

Sterrey and his top rating side soaked up a hard lesson against City.

"We fell asleep for 60 seconds in defence and we got punished by Lozanovski," said Sterrey.

"But it's always hard to play the same team twice in a row."

Sterrey said he hoped star striker Ante Milicic will be fit for the Sharks' next game.

City coach Zoran Matic was just glad to escape with the win.

"We were outplayed tonight and won but we can't afford to lose any games," he said.

"Olympic is still a good team and we are still three points behind them."

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