The Black Knights named an unchanged side to the one that beat the Wellington Phoenix 5-0 a week ago, with import striker Sam Cosgrove making his return from suspension via the bench. The opening exchanges followed a similar pattern to last week, with City setting the tone and Auckland having to absorb all the pressure. Returning from the break, City were again aggressive and had some chances to equalise, but Auckland were up to the challenge. Auckland FC 3 (Logan Rogerson 43′, Jesse Randall 59′, Guillermo May 66′). Melbourne City 0HT: 1-0Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 28, 2026 14:15 UTC