Auckland FC has enjoyed a remarkable debut season, but in the coming fortnight, they will encounter one of their most significant challenges within the A-Leagues: toppling Melbourne Victory at finals time. aleagues.com.au offers an insight into this massive two-legged Semi-Final clash.
On paper, the recently crowned Premiers, Auckland FC, should be clear favourites to host the Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final on May 31.
They finished a substantial 10 points ahead of their Semi-Final rivals, Melbourne Victory, claimed three more wins, had a goal difference that’s a remarkable 14 better, and didn’t lose any of their encounters during the regular season— notably securing a 2-0 victory at AAMI Park less than a month ago.
PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THIS SATURDAY’S SEMI-FINAL BETWEEN MELBOURNE VICTORY AND AUCKLAND FC
However, as head coach Steve Corica knows all too well, anything can transpire during the Finals Series, especially with Melbourne Victory in the mix.
Though Arthur Diles is a first-season head coach without prior experience at this stage of the competition, he leads a team with a legacy of success unmatched in the pursuit of glory come May.
No club has achieved more finals victories (18) or Semi-Final wins (8).
“Victory is a club that, historically, when you think of them in clutch situations—big matches, finals—they always rise to the occasion,” said Sydney Morning Herald reporter Vince Rugari on Total A-Leagues.
“They tend to win the matches you’re not expecting them to, and, most notably, they crash the party.”
SEMI-FINALS ARE HERE! What you need to know as Victory and Western United advance to the final four
Former A-Leagues winger Tommy Oar remarked: “Winning it from fifth place is a feat no team has accomplished before; I wouldn’t bet against them.
“They have numerous key characters within the squad, strong personalities. We’ve noted several times this season that while having egos can sometimes be a disadvantage, when it comes to finals, it seems to give them extra determination. They definitely have the motivation. These players are not intimidated by the big moments, as seen in their impressive performance against the Wanderers. I believe Auckland will feel the weight of nerves ahead of this match.”
READ MORE
TALAY EXTENDS: Sydney FC offers new contract to head coach Ufuk Talay
LEGENDS CALL IT QUITS: Iconic Adelaide duo confirm retirement as they step into new beginnings
DEEP DIVE: Descendant of an icon with ‘no limits’ igniting title ambitions
Indeed, while Auckland secured a week off after finishing at the top, the Victory put in a commendable performance in last weekend’s Elimination Final, overcoming the Western Sydney Wanderers with key players stepping up.
Kasey Bos, the left-back, is in excellent goal-scoring form, netting three goals in his last three outings; the midfield duo of Ryan Teague and Jordi Valadon continues to thrive; and many regard the attacking options at Diles’ disposal—featuring Zinedine Machach, Nishan Velupillay, and particularly Daniel Arzani—to be the strongest in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
The Socceroos winger has been magnificent since national team coach Tony Popovic sparked a revival earlier this season, with his performance levels consistently on the rise, as highlighted by his Man of the Match display in the recent Elimination Final.
Nevertheless, if any side possesses the defensive resilience to counter this potent Victory attack, it’s Auckland.
Having the fiercest defence throughout the 26 rounds, it’s undeniable that the quality of Hiroki Sakai, Nando Pijnaker, Dan Hall, and Francis De Vries stands out, not to mention the extraordinary goalkeeping by Alex Paulsen.
PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THIS SATURDAY’S SEMI-FINAL BETWEEN MELBOURNE VICTORY AND AUCKLAND FC
In their encounters this season, Victory has yet to find the back of the net against the Black Knights over 180 minutes.
When asked if Auckland needed to devise a strategy for Arzani, Oar replied:
“De Vries and Sakai, likely the league’s best full-backs, will square off against Velupillay and Arzani. I think this match will hinge on that matchup, as it presents an enticing battle.”
“I doubt Auckland will allow Arzani to enjoy the freedom to face defenders. Both full-backs will be closely marking him, but at this level, with Arzani’s current form, he has the ability to find a way through.”
“That said, Auckland can also unleash their own attacking threats, with the likes of Guillermo May, Logan Rogerson, and Max Mata, while midfield dynamo Jake Brimmer, along with Louis Verstraete, who has emerged as one of the season’s standout performers, will ensure a fierce contest in the centre of the park.”
As a two-legged tie, there’s heightened stakes involved.
Next weekend, Auckland FC is set to return to a likely packed Go Media Stadium, where they’ve lost only once since their establishment, maintaining the best home record in the league.
Given this context, the upcoming first leg is vital for the Victory’s prospects of pulling off a significant upset and denying New Zealand the opportunity to host a Grand Final for the first time.
“Considering Auckland’s home record, with an increased capacity for this finals fixture, it’s poised to be a tough outing for whoever plays in the second leg,” Oar added.
“If you’re heading into that second leg needing a win, it could be incredibly challenging.
“For Melbourne Victory to have any realistic chance to advance in this tie, winning this weekend’s match with their home crowd behind them is essential.
“We witnessed Auckland’s victory in their final match of the season, but Melbourne’s performance wasn’t lacking; it was more about not capitalising on the chances they created. So, this match is too close to call, and it promises to be an electrifying contest.”
The stage is set for an epic showdown.
Catch Melbourne Victory against Auckland FC in the first leg of the Semi-Final this Saturday at AAMI Park, starting at 4pm AEST / 6pm NZT. Tune in live on 10 Bold, 10 Play & Paramount+ in Australia or Sky Sport NZ in New Zealand.
PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THIS SATURDAY’S SEMI-FINAL BETWEEN MELBOURNE VICTORY AND AUCKLAND FC
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
