Melbourne Derby Confirmed for A-League Grand Final After Auckland FC’s Exit

MELBOURNE — The 2025 A-League Men’s Grand Final will be an all-Melbourne showdown after both Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City sealed their places with decisive semifinal results, ending the fairytale run of Auckland FC in its inaugural season.

In front of a roaring crowd of 29,148 at Go Media Stadium, Melbourne Victory pulled off a stunning 2-0 win over Premiers Plate winners Auckland FC, overturning a first-leg deficit to advance 2-1 on aggregate.

Victory’s goals came in a clinical five-minute stretch early in the second half—scoring on their only two shots on target. The win marks the club’s second consecutive grand final appearance and keeps their hopes alive for another championship.

“We were efficient when it mattered,” said Victory manager Tony Popovic. “Auckland are a tough side, but we kept our composure and took our chances.”

Auckland head coach Steve Corica voiced frustration after the match, criticizing the officiating. He argued that Logan Rogerson’s disallowed goal should have stood, potentially altering the momentum of the contest.

“That goal should’ve counted,” Corica said. “It changes everything if it does.”

In the other semifinal, Melbourne City had already taken a commanding 3-0 lead into the second leg against Western United. A 20th-minute strike by Aziz Behich all but sealed the tie before Western clawed one back to finish the game 1-1, but City progressed comfortably on a 4-1 aggregate.

This marks City’s fifth grand final appearance in six seasons, a testament to their consistency at the top level of Australian football.

First-Ever All-Melbourne A-League Final

The final will be hosted at AAMI Park, home ground for both finalists, marking the first time Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City meet in a grand final.

New Zealand fans can watch the grand final live on Sky Sport or stream it via Sky Sport Now. In Australia, the broadcast will be available live on Network 10, with streaming on 10 Play and Paramount+.

📍 Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne