Melbourne Victory have begun the defence of their A-League title with a goalless draw at Adelaide United.

After an uneventful opening, Adelaide's Eli Babalj almost found the back of the net but after his deflected effort deceived the goalkeeper, the ball dropped just wide of the opposite post.

Moments later, James Jeggo also fired off target as Adelaide began to build a head of steam, but after Marcelo Carrusca fizzed a long-range strike wide of the mark, the two teams would go into the break on level terms.

Despite finding themselves on the back foot for much of the first half, Melbourne nearly took a surprise lead just before the hour mark when Kosta Barbarouses struck the woodwork with a shot from 25 yards.

Back came Adelaide, who again failed to test the goalkeeper through Jeggo, but they were handed a boost with 17 minutes remaining when Leigh Broxham was dismissed for two yellow cards.

Sergio Cirio could have won it in added-on time, but after his 12-yard shot was saved, Melbourne were able to hold on to claim a point in their opening fixture.