Auckland FC has made history by winning the A-League Men’s premiership in their very first season.
They secured the title after Melbourne City was held to a 0-0 draw by Adelaide United on Saturday night at AAMI Park. This result means Auckland can now celebrate their first major trophy when they face Perth Glory at Go Media Stadium on Sunday.
Melbourne City had a chance to keep the pressure on Auckland but could not find a goal against Adelaide. Because of this draw, City might also lose their second-place spot, which would cost them a valuable spot in the Asian Champions League and a break during the first week of finals.
Auckland now leads the standings with 50 points, ahead of City with 45, Western Sydney with 43, Melbourne Victory with 42, and Western United with 41. City’s coach, Aurelio Vidmar, praised his team’s effort but admitted they needed to score to win the game.
Meanwhile, Melbourne City dominated the second half but just couldn’t score, despite having 17 shots. Their goalkeeper, Patrick Beach, made an important save late in the game, but City missed several chances to win.
Next Saturday, City will host Sydney FC in a match that could decide their final spot in the standings.
