Match report from aucklandcityfc.com 

Auckland City produced one of the most memorable results in their history, holding six-time Copa Libertadores champions Boca Juniors to a 1-1 draw at the FIFA Club World Cup in Nashville.

Christian Gray, a schoolteacher by profession, scored the equaliser for the club from Sandringham with a well-timed header in the 52nd minute, after Boca had taken the lead through an own goal in the first half.

The result marked a remarkable turnaround for the Oceania champions, who had suffered heavy defeats in their opening two group matches and were widely expected to be comfortably beaten by the Argentine giants.

Played in challenging conditions at Geodis Park, the match was interrupted by a 45-minute delay due to severe weather shortly after Gray’s goal levelled the score.

Boca, who required a seven-goal win to progress to the knockout stages, created numerous chances but were repeatedly denied by goalkeeper Nathan Garrow and a resolute Auckland defence.The Buenos Aires side believed they had reclaimed the lead following the restart, only for VAR to disallow the goal for a handball in the build-up.

Backed by over 15,000 passionate fans, Boca registered more than 40 attempts on goal, but the Navy Blues defended with brave determination to earn a draw that stunned their critics and brought pride to New Zealand football.

Post-match, Gray reflected on the significance of the result.

“It’s been a tough trip,” he said. “We’ve had some difficult results, but I think we got a little bit of respect back. I’m just happy for the club and the boys—we’ve worked incredibly hard for this.”

Auckland City FC return to New Zealand with their heads held high, having faced three of world football’s most storied clubs and concluded their campaign with a performance that may be long remembered by their supporters back home.