AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC travel to the capital this Saturday for a pivotal National League encounter against table-topping Wellington Olympic, a fixture that promises intensity, history, and high stakes.
17 October 2025
Fresh off a thrilling 3-2 victory over Western Suburbs, the Navy Blues are looking to build momentum and reignite their title defence after a mixed start to the campaign. An opening round bye followed by a defeat to Birkenhead United left City chasing early ground, but last weekend’s comeback win has injected fresh belief into the squad.
“It’s massive,” said striker Myer Bevan. “It’s a very short league, so we need maximum points every single week. We’re preparing all week for this one, it’s going to be a tough battle, but we’re up for it.”
Wellington Olympic, meanwhile, have hit the ground running in 2025. Three wins from three, including a 5-3 opening triumph, a 2-1 win over Northern League champions Western Springs, and a 3-1 result against Coastal Spirit, have cemented their status as early frontrunners.
Matches between City and Olympic are always tightly contested, and this weekend’s clash marks the 12th chapter in a storied rivalry.
Head-to-Head Snapshot
| Date | Competition | Result |
| 05.10.24 | National League | Wellington Olympic 0–1 Auckland City FC |
| 07.09.24 | Chatham Cup Final | Wellington Olympic 1–1 (PEN 5–4) Auckland City FC |
| 16.03.24 | OFC Playoff 2nd Leg | Wellington Olympic 3–3 Auckland City FC |
| 09.03.24 | OFC Playoff 1st Leg | Auckland City FC 1–0 Wellington Olympic |
| 26.11.23 | National League GF | Auckland City FC 0–2 Wellington Olympic |
| 12.11.23 | National League | Auckland City FC 1–3 Wellington Olympic |
| 18.03.23 | OFC Playoff 2nd Leg | Auckland City FC 5–3 Wellington Olympic |
| 11.03.23 | OFC Playoff 1st Leg | Wellington Olympic 1–1 Auckland City FC |
| 04.12.22 | National League GF | Auckland City FC 3–2 Wellington Olympic |
| 01.10.22 | National League | Wellington Olympic 1–2 Auckland City FC |
| 21.08.22 | Chatham Cup | Auckland City FC 3–1 Wellington Olympic |
Adding further weight to the occasion is the Mediterranean Cup a symbol of heritage and community that will also be on the line.
The Cup, currently held by Auckland City FC, celebrates the shared cultural roots of both clubs, founded by Croatian and Greek migrants whose passion helped shape New Zealand football. City claimed the silverware last season with a gritty 1-0 win in Wellington, their sixth triumph in the fixture’s history.
With pride, points, and tradition at stake, Saturday’s showdown at Wakefield Park promises to be one of the defining moments of the National League season.
If you can’t make it to Wellington, join us this Saturday at our Kiwitea clubrooms as we stream the match live courtesy of FIFA+
Ends
Match Details
Dettol National League R4 | Mediterranean Cup
Saturday, 18 October
Wakefield Park, Wellington
Wellington Olympic vs Auckland City FC
Kick-off: 12:30pm
AC SQUAD: 1. Conor TRACEY (GK) 2. Mario ILICH (C) 3. Adam MITCHELL 4. Christian GRAY 5. Nikko BOXALL, 7. Myer BEVAN 8. Gerard GARRIGA 9. Angus KILKOLLY 10. Dylan MANICKUM 11. Ryan DE VRIES 12. Regont MURATI 13. Nathan LOBO 14. Jordan VALE, 15. Jeremy FOO, 16. Joe LEE 17. Jerson LAGOS 18. Seb CIGANDA (GK) 19. Dylan CONNOLLY, 20. Matt ELLIS 21. Adam BELL 22. Tong ZHOU 23. Alfie ROGERS, 24. Nathan GARROW (GK) 25. Michael DEN HEIJER, 26. David YOO, 27. Haris ZEB, 28 Paris DOMFEH, 29. Riley DALZIELL 30. Orlando THORPE
HEAD COACH : Paul POSA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
ASSISTANT COACH: Adria CASALS
GOALKEEPER COACH: Jonas HOFFMANN
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE
TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON
