A gutsy 10-man Adelaide United have started their AFC Champions League campaign in style with a surprise 2-0 victory over the Pohang Steelers.

Out of season and after a disappointing A-League campaign, United weren't expected to trouble the K-League play-off winners but laid on a goal in each half to secure the result.

Robert Cornthwaite and Bruce Djite got the goals in a spirited performance from the visitors, who had Jonas Salley sent off on halftime.

United took the lead in only the third minute when Cornthwaite headed home a right-sided corner from Lucas Pantelis.

Pohang almost equalised as Denilson's shot was deflected onto the bar.

Adelaide was reduced to 10 men when Salley, already booked for a foul, was carded again for kicking the ball away after the referee has stopped play.

Seconds later Pohang striker Nam Kung-do fired an acrobatic half-volley against the crossbar.

Pohang piled on the pressure in the second half but was unable to break down the resolute United backline.

On the hour, Adelaide doubled its advantage.

A long-ball from Cassio was mis-kicked by Jason Spagnuolo at the left corner of the penalty area but the ball spun past the advancing Pohang goalkeeper and Djite fired into an empty net.

With eight minutes remaining, Pohang's chances were finished when defender Park Won-jae was shown two yellow cards in inside 30 seconds.

Adelaide's next match is at home against Chinese champion Changchun Yatai.

Pohang travels to Binh Duong FC of Vietnam.

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