Adelaide United have recovered some respect from grand final conquerors Melbourne Victory after coming from behind to earn a 1-1 draw at Hindmarsh Stadium.

It took an 83rd-minute penalty from vice-captain Travis Dodd to peg back Melbourne who had taken the lead just three minutes earlier through defender Roddy Vargas.

Vargas turned from hero to villain after handling a shot on goal from United midfielder Diego to concede the penalty.

Both teams were missing key players on national duty and had to be satisfied with their third draw of the season.

Former Socceroo hard man Kevin Muscat played with a cast to protect a broken arm but was still his rugged self in midfield.

Melbourne opened stronger urged on by Costa Rican World Cup player Carlos Hernandez and Muscat but couldn't muster clear chances.

Hernandez struck a 25-metre free kick just over the crossbar in the eighth minute while Muscat also tried his luck from a free kick in the 27th minute with the same result.

Adelaide finally swung into overdrive with defender Richie Alagich volleying just over the crossbar in the 31st minute and just failed to score in the 44th minute when Victory midfielder Grant Brebner cleared off the line after a corner.

Victory coach Ernie Merrick was forced to make four changes from the previous match, including 18-year-old defender Sebastian Ryall and ex-Adelaide United defender Matthew Kemp on the left.

Muscat angered most of the 12,231 crowd in the 68th minute when he cannoned into United's Brazilian fullback Cassio who had to be replaced eight minutes later.

United finally got some service for marquee striker Paul Agostino in the 77th minute but the former 1860 Munich player punched a trademark header just wide.

The Victory took the lead when Adrian Caceres flighted a free kick from the right to the far post and Vargas climbed high to head home.

But Dodd coolly slotted the dramatic penalty soon after and suspended Olyroo Nathan Burns headed against the crossbar in injury time as Adelaide surged late.

A home draw and a possible serious knee injury to captain Michael Valkanis soured United's first home match of the season.

Adelaide coach Aurelio Vidmar said his side had shown character to fight back in the second half after a poor opening.

"We started slowly and Melbourne Victory came to win," he said.

"There's a lot of character in this team and we almost nicked a win right at the death."

Melbourne coach Merrick was ecstatic with his makeshift team's display.

"We had five regular first team players out and were able to grab an away draw," said Merrick.

"I thought we played a particularly strong first half but we have to be happy with this result."

Valkanis fell down clutching his left knee in the 21st minute of the first half and was replaced just five minutes later.

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