Brisbane Roar came from one goal down to take a point from reigning Isuzu UTE A-League Premiers Auckland FC in a 1-1 draw at Go Media Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Black Knights winger Lachie Brook put the hosts on top in the first half with a stunning free-kick blasted into the top-right corner in front of The Port, but just before the break, Brisbane capitalised on their dominance with an equalising goal scored by Justin Vidic.
Brisbane had the majority share possession and had more chances in the Round 5 clash but failed to find the back of the net for a second time as the second half drew to a conclusion with both sides locked level at 1-1 – despite a late scare for the Roar, when Francis De Vries’ stoppage-time free-kick rattled the crossbar.
Sunday’s draw at Go Media Stadium denied Auckland the chance to climb back into top spot on the Isuzu UTE A-League table; they now trail league leaders Sydney FC by one point heading into Round 6.
The Roar finished second-last in 2024-25, having accumulated 21 points from 26 games but under new head coach Michael Valkanis, have eight points from five games, with just one loss on the board (two wins, two draws) and three goals conceded.
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Match highlights
Key moments
Brisbane took 12 shots to Auckland’s three in the first half but found themselves behind after just 18 minutes when Lachie Brook bent a venomous free-kick into the top-right corner from long range.
Auckland head coach Steve Corica would have hoped to see the Brook stunner jolt his side into life at Go Media Stadium but Brisbane quickly got back on top, and restored parity in first-half stoppage time through Justin Vidic.
Vidic fed off the sublime service of Michael Ruhs who played his fellow Roar forward in behind Auckland’s defence to finish into the bottom-left corner.
For all the highlights, stats and key moments, head to the match centre.
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