Match report from aucklandcityfc.com

Auckland City FC opened their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a sobering 10-0 defeat to German powerhouse Bayern Munich at TQL Stadium.

Facing a full-strength side featuring global superstars such as Manuel Neuer, Thomas Müller, Kingsley Coman, and Harry Kane, the Navy Blues were under no illusions about the scale of the challenge ahead. “It was going to be an uphill challenge,” admitted defender Adam Mitchell. “Bayern Munich is a world-class team… they showed their class today.”

Despite the daunting opposition, Auckland City defended with discipline from the outset. Conor Tracey denied Coman early on with a sharp save, but the French winger struck from the ensuing corner to open the scoring.

From there, Bayern’s relentless tempo and quality told the story. First-half goals from Sacha Boey, Michael Olise, and a brace each from Coman and Müller sent the European champions into the break 6-0 up. “We wanted to keep it close at the beginning,” Mitchell said, “but their class showed in the early minutes, and from there, it was an uphill battle.”

In the second half, Musiala came on for Kane and carved through the tired City legs, notching a hat-trick. Müller capped off the scoring with his second of the night.

While the scoreboard told a harsh story, Auckland City’s effort and conduct told another. The Oceania champions never resorted to time-wasting, avoided yellow cards, and continued to play with composure and pride. “Really proud of the boys and the efforts. It’s been a tough four years to get here… and the beauty of this tournament is we have another game,” said Mitchell.

City’s few bright spots included Tracey, who pulled off several impressive saves, and substitute Jerson Lagos, whose pace and confidence provided a late spark. Angus Kilkolly had a late opportunity to find a consolation goal, but Neuer was equal to the task.

Auckland City now regroup ahead of their next clash, a matchup with Portuguese giants Benfica, kicking off Saturday at 4:00 AM (NZT).

Article added: Monday 16 June 2025