Auckland FC dramatic draw against Melbourne City to preserve unbeaten record.
A dramatic stoppage-time free-kick from Neyder Moreno secured a thrilling 2-2 draw for Auckland FC against Melbourne City, extending their unbeaten start to the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season. Moreno’s 95th-minute heroics came after a rollercoaster encounter at AAMI Park on Sunday evening. Substitute Moreno’s perfectly placed set-piece eluded City goalkeeper Patrick Beach, preserving Auckland’s top spot in the league standings.
League leaders Auckland FC became more aggressive in the second half, pressing their opponents high up the pitch and dominating possession. The higher level of intensity paid off when Auckland FC won their first corner of the game, seven minutes into the second half.
The match was not short on drama. Moreno thought he had given Auckland the lead in the 74th minute when he headed the ball into the back of the net. His celebrations were cut short as VAR intervened, ruling the goal out for an offside in the build-up.
Just minutes later, defender Nando Pijnaker’s backpass took an unfortunate bounce past goalkeeper Alex Paulsen, gifting City a 2-1 lead. The sequence epitomised the unpredictable nature of the match, with Paramount+ commentator Simon Hill remarking, “Football can be a crazy, crazy game.”
Auckland FC, playing only their second game outside New Zealand, showed resilience. Earlier in the match, Guillermo May levelled the score in the 53rd minute with a glancing header after Medin Memeti had given City an early lead.
When the game entered seven minutes of added time, Auckland FC head coach Steve Corica was urging everyone forward. The result keeps Auckland two points clear at the top of the table and on track to challenge historic league records. A win would have made them the fourth team in Australian National League history to start a season with seven consecutive victories.
From disallowed goals to a shocking own goal, the match encapsulated the drama and unpredictability of the A-League. Moreno’s late equaliser not only rescued Auckland but underscored the team’s resolve as they continued their charge for a groundbreaking debut season.
The fans remained in full noise at Tyler St Sport the official home of Auckland FC.
Auckland now travel home to take on Western United at home on Saturday 21st December, 5pm at Go Media Stadium. Get your tickets now!
