Stalemate at Go Media: Auckland FC and Wanderers Share the Spoils in A-League Thriller

Auckland, NZ – April 6, 2025 — A pulsating 1-1 draw between Auckland FC and Western Sydney Wanderers lit up Go Media Stadium on Saturday night, as the top-of-the-table Black Knights preserved their impressive unbeaten streak in the Isuzu UTE A-League.

Head Coach Steve Corica stuck with a familiar formula, naming an unchanged XI for a crucial clash in front of a raucous crowd of 18,342. The decision nearly backfired early on, as Auckland faced waves of Wanderers pressure and a concerning injury to skipper Hiroki Sakai.

Despite the rocky start, Auckland’s ever-reliable shot-stopper Alex Paulsen showcased why he’s considered the league’s best goalkeeper, pulling off a string of vital saves to keep the visitors at bay.

The momentum began to shift just before the interval. A costly mistake from Wanderers goalkeeper Daniel Thomas—who slipped while playing out from the back—gifted the ball to Felipe Gallegos. The Chilean midfielder showed icy composure to slot home his first goal of the season, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

Galvanized by the breakthrough, Auckland nearly doubled their lead moments later with Max Mata attempting an audacious overhead kick, only denied by a fingertip save from Thomas—redeeming himself after his earlier error.

After the break, Auckland came out looking sharper, dominating possession and probing the Wanderers’ defense. Yet, it was the visitors who found the net next. In the 57th minute, a speculative low strike from Milos Milanovic sneaked through a crowd of defenders and past Paulsen into the far corner, leveling the match.

Tactical changes followed from Corica, introducing Jesse Randall, Ben Old, and Clayton Lewis in pursuit of a winner. Auckland surged forward with renewed intensity. Randall and Lucas May both came close to sealing victory, while the Wanderers reminded everyone of their counter-attacking threat, smashing the woodwork late in the match.

Six minutes of added time wasn’t enough to separate the sides, but Auckland will walk away encouraged—not only by their continued unbeaten run, but by their dominance in possession, creativity, and composure under pressure.

With just three games remaining in the regular season, Auckland now turn their attention to key road fixtures against Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory, before returning home to face Perth Glory in what promises to be a blockbuster finale at Go Media.

Player of the Match:

Felipe Gallegos – Calm finish and tireless midfield performance set the tone for Auckland.

Next Fixture:

🆚 Sydney FC
📍 Away
📅 Saturday, April 12

Final Home Game Reminder:

📍 Go Media Stadium
🗓️ Saturday, April 27
⚔️ Auckland FC vs Perth Glory
🎟️ Get your tickets now — A sell-out crowd is expected!

Attendance:

18,342 passionate supporters packed Go Media Stadium