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Auckland begin title defence with 3-1 win over City

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 07:32 · Archive

Auckland FC defeated Melbourne City 3-1 in their A-League Men season opener.

Auckland FC started their A-League Men title defence with a 3-1 home victory over Melbourne City at Mt Smart Stadium, in front of 20,635 fans celebrating the club's first title win. New signing Lachlan Bayliss marked his debut with two goals, whilst Lachlan Brook sealed the result with an 85th-minute goal.

Bayliss opened the scoring with a long-range strike in the 35th minute after pouncing on a loose pass from Besian Kutleshi. Melbourne City responded through Quinn Macnicol, who equalised from a Kavian Rahmani cross in the 42nd minute. The match was marked by physical play, with late challenges sparking a shoving contest that resulted in bookings for Sam Cosgrove and Aziz Behich.

Auckland restored their lead early in the second half when Bayliss netted again in the 53rd minute, capitalising on a cleared cross from Hiroki Sakai. The match was the first under new Auckland coach Pedro Moreira, who replaced Steve Corica. Auckland have yet to lose a round-one game in their three-year history and will travel to face Western Sydney next week, whilst Melbourne City prepare for a derby against Melbourne Victory.

Auckland begin title defence with 3-1 win over City
Image: Perth Now

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How it is being reported

In this story: Auckland FC · Melbourne City · Lachlan Bayliss · Pedro Moreira · Mt Smart Stadium · Western Sydney · Steve Corica · Quinn Macnicol

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