Auckland FC have lift-off in the Isuzu UTE A-League 2025-26 season after prevailing 1-0 against Western Sydney Wanderers in Round 2.
Jesse Randall’s first-half strike was all that separated the two teams in a feisty showdown at Go Media Stadium on Saturday as reigning premiers the Black Knights celebrated their first win of the campaign.
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There were plenty of words exchanged by coaches Steve Corica and Alen Stajcic, while it was a physical contest on the field in Auckland, where the New Zealand hosts played at home for the first time this term following last week’s 0-0 draw at Melbourne Victory.
MATCH REPORT: Badolato hat-trick fires goal-hungry Jets to thumping win over Victory
Randall put Auckland ahead in the 21st minute after Auckland picked off Western Sydney as the Wanderers tried to play out from the back.
The 23-year-old’s goal from the edge of the area was Auckland’s 11th from outside of the box in their short Isuzu UTE A-League history – no team has managed more than the Black Knights since the start of their inaugural campaign in 2024-25.
Steven Ugarkovic came close to equalising for Western Sydney – who drew 1-1 with defending champions Melbourne City in Round 1 – five minutes into the second half, while Black Knights star Guillermo May rattled the woodwork five minutes from the end.
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Match highlights
What they said
Hear everything Auckland FC head coach Steve Corica had to say after the 1-0 win below.
Hear everything Western Sydney Wanderers head coach Alen Stajcic had to say after the 1-0 loss below.
Elsewhere in Round 2
Newcastle Jets 5-2 Melbourne Victory
MATCH REPORT: Badolato hat-trick fires goal-hungry Jets to thumping win over Victory
Melbourne City 4-0 Perth Glory
MATCH REPORT: Rising star soaring to new heights as champs cruise in win ft. 2 worldies
