Auckland FC suffered their first away defeat of the season, going down 2–1 to Melbourne City in a fractured, high-intensity match marked by injuries, VAR delays and rising tempers.
The visitors controlled much of the first half despite an early injury to captain Hiroki Sakai, and took the lead just after the break through Lachie Brook after a slick counter-attack. Melbourne grew into the second half, equalising via a VAR-awarded penalty before capitalising on the momentum with a late headed winner.
Multiple substitutions, a head knock to Alex de Vries and lengthy stoppages disrupted any rhythm, and despite extended injury time Auckland were unable to find a response.
