Adelaide United will host its Asian Champions League round of 16 fixture after posting a 2-0 away victory over Gamba Osaka on Wednesday night.

Substitute Sergio van Dijk's strike and an Akihiro Sato own goal in the second half sealed a deserved victory for the visitors, who will be Australia's sole representative in the knockout stages.

The prize that awaits the triumphant Reds is a clash with Japanese outfit Nagoya Grampus at Hindmarsh Stadium on May 29.

The J-League side - home to Socceroo Josh Kennedy - put the Central Coast Mariners to the sword on Tuesday night and will present the Reds with a formidable challenge.

However, with travel considerations making home advantage particularly beneficial in Asia, the Reds will fancy being able to maintain their stunning Champions League form.

Unable to qualify for the next round Gamba made nine changes to the side that played in the domestic J-League at the weekend, resting a host of key players including club linchpin Yasuhito Endo.

Adelaide coach John Kosmina kept faith in the side that earned a point at home against Uzbek side Bunyodkor two weeks ago, with Iain Fyfe making his first start of the campaign in the absence of injured utility Osama Malik.

Livewire midfielder Iain Ramsay was at the core of much that was good about Adelaide in an attacking sense, particularly early on.

At the other end, Nigel Boogaard made a few telling interventions to keep the hosts at bay.

The recently re-signed Adelaide defender showed a timely touch to deny Gamba on three occasions in the first half, while goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic was forced into a sharp save on the stroke of half-time.

Van Dijk's introduction proved pivotal.

Full-back Daniel Mullen produced a measured cross from the right that was expertly glanced home by the Dutchman in the 67th minute - his first goal of the campaign.

The match sealer came with just three minutes to play after van Dijk was denied his second by a fingertip save from Gamba shot stopper Yosuke Fujigawa.

From the resultant Vidosic corner, Gamba striker Sato turned the ball into his own net at the near post, capping a forgettable night for the hosts but an equally memorable one for Adelaide.

"It's a great achievement, personally I'm really proud of the team," Kosmina said.

"If you look at how we finished the A-League season, we were playing some decent football but it was like we couldn't win a thing.

"The boys, to their credit, have really put their heads down and worked at trying to get something out of this.

"Now we've got everything to look forward to. We've got a game at home in two weeks' time against a very good side, Nagoya, they're going to be tough.

"But, the home ground advantage will put the odds in our favour."

Adelaide United: 2 (S van Dijk 67', A Sato 87' (og))

Gamba Osaka: 0

AAP