Auckland FC are on the cusp of a maiden Premiership in their inaugural Isuzu UTE A-League season after edging Melbourne Victory 2-0 on Saturday night at AAMI Park. Belgian midfielder Louis Verstraete and Uruguayan forward Guillermo May settled the contest, putting Auckland one hand on the Premier’s Plate amid their 13-match unbeaten streak and a history-making season.
Thanks to Alex Paulsen’s breathtaking 85th-minute save to deny Nikos Vergos, Auckland can clinch the Premiership if Western Sydney Wanderers beat second-placed Melbourne City later on Saturday night. That result would leave the Black Knights seven points clear with two games remaining, solidifying their remarkable debut in the league.
The loss for Melbourne Victory snapped their five-game unbeaten run at home, leaving them five points clear of seventh-placed Sydney FC. Socceroos greats Mark Bresciano and Vince Grella were watching from the stands, where chances were few and far between during a tense opening 45 minutes. However, the match sprang to life in the second half as Auckland threatened once the game resumed.
Guillermo May flashed a shot just wide of the post in the 50th minute before a big chance went begging for the visitors just two minutes later. But the Black Knights got their goal just moments later. It was Louis Verstraete, whose strike from the edge of the box made its way past Mitch Langerak, who appealed that there was an offside Auckland player obstructing his view. However, replays showed he was indeed onside.
Paulsen produced an incredible save to deny Victory’s Socceroo Nishan Velupillay from point-blank range, but it was offside anyway, not that the Black Knights star knew. Paulsen was at it again in the 85th minute when he somehow got down low to claw away Vergos’ goal-bound header, showcasing his skills as a key player in this match.
Then, Auckland made sure of the points through May in the final minute of regulation to well and truly silence the Victory fans. Verstraete turned provider, setting up May for his ninth goal of the season, prompting player celebrations with the vocal band of Auckland FC supporters in attendance. This victory marks Auckland's 14th win of the season, reinforcing their dominance in the league.
Steve Corica, Auckland's manager, expressed his satisfaction with the performance, stating, "We'll go back and have dinner at the hotel, and we'll probably all watch it together on a big screen. The first thing was obviously taking care of business with us, first and foremost, and now we're hoping for the Wanderers to beat Melbourne City." His confidence in the team’s potential to clinch the title was evident as they prepared for their next matches.
Auckland now plays Perth at home next Sunday, April 27, 2025, and then finishes the home-and-away season on the road against Western United. The anticipation builds as fans eagerly await the outcomes of these matches, which could solidify Auckland's place in A-League history.
Meanwhile, Victory's Arthur Diles expressed his disappointment following the match, acknowledging the missed opportunities and the impact of key moments. "The first goal... we don’t get the line up in time, and otherwise he’d be offside. They’re the moments. And in the end, they didn’t go with us today," he lamented.
As the season progresses, the stakes continue to rise. With Auckland FC poised to make history in their first season, the pressure is on Melbourne City to perform against Western Sydney. Should they falter, Auckland will secure the Premiership, further enhancing their remarkable debut campaign.
The match was a testament to Auckland's strategic gameplay, with five men at the back and a midfield wall of four, allowing them to manage the game efficiently. This tactical approach, combined with individual brilliance from players like Paulsen, Verstraete, and May, has been pivotal in their unbeaten run.
While this victory places Auckland in an enviable position, the league remains competitive. With Adelaide and Sydney within striking distance of Victory’s fifth-place standing, the upcoming matches will be crucial for all teams involved.
As fans look ahead, the excitement of potential title celebrations looms large for Auckland FC. The possibility of clinching the Premier’s Plate in their inaugural season is a storyline that has captured the imagination of supporters and analysts alike.
In conclusion, Auckland FC's 2-0 victory against Melbourne Victory not only extends their unbeaten streak but also places them on the brink of claiming the A-League’s coveted Premiership. With two matches left and the fate of the title potentially resting on the outcome of other games, the stage is set for an exhilarating finish to the season.
