AUCKLAND, New Zealand – The Dominion Road Derby returns to Kiwitea Street this Saturday, and with it comes all the passion, pride, and pressure that defines one of Auckland’s fiercest football rivalries.
6 November 2025
As Auckland City FC prepare to host Auckland United in the 13th edition of this storied clash, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
With just five rounds remaining in the National League regular season, every point is golden. The Navy Blues currently sit fifth on the ladder with 8 points and a game in hand over the top four. Meanwhile, Auckland United, in ninth with 5 points, are also chasing a late surge, both sides eyeing a top-two finish and a coveted Grand Final berth.
City are eager to bounce back after consecutive draws against Auckland FC Reserves and Christchurch United, while United arrive with renewed confidence following a commanding win over Coastal Spirit.
Striker David Yoo reflected on last weekend’s 2–2 draw with Christchurch United:
“It wasn’t the result we wanted. It was a story of two halves, really. We started off really poorly, but regrouped at half-time and managed to get a point. I think we were unlucky not to come away with three.”
Looking ahead to the derby, Yoo emphasised the importance of preparation and urgency:
“We’ve played Auckland United a couple of times this year. They’re a really good team and it’s going to be a difficult game. But we’re at a stage where we need to pick up three points in the remaining games. We’ll have a good week of training and hopefully get the result.”
On the significance of bouncing back:
“It’s really massive. If you look at the table, we need to start picking up points. It’s a crucial game this weekend and we’ll prepare our best to make sure we come away with three points.”
The numbers favour the hosts. Auckland City have claimed bragging rights in 8 of the previous 12 Dominion Road Derbies, with just 2 defeats and 2 draws. Earlier this year, City edged United 1–0 at Kiwitea, before a dramatic 2–2 draw in August saw United claw back from two goals down.
Last Meeting : August 23 at Keith Hay Park
In their 650th competitive match, City looked in control with early goals from Gerard Garriga and Jerson Lagos. But set-piece lapses allowed United’s Matthew Conroy and Daniel Atkinson to level the score. Captain Mario Ilich didn’t mince words post-match:
“To let it slip away with two set-piece goals is pretty frustrating, to be honest.”
Saturday’s clash offers a shot at redemption, and a chance to reassert dominance in the derby.
Milestone Moments
Jerson Lagos marked his 50th club appearance and 23rd birthday last weekend with two assists. He becomes the 67th player in club history to reach the half-century mark.
Matt Ellis is poised to join him. The electric winger sits on 49 appearances and 14 goals. If selected, he’ll become the 68th player to hit the milestone.
De Vries Eyes the Record Books
Veteran striker Ryan De Vries is on the cusp of history. His next appearance, number 242, will see him equal Emiliano Tade’s all-time club record. With 111 goals to his name, De Vries has been a talisman for the Navy Blues. Could this be the derby where he etches his name alongside the greats?
Don’t miss the action. Join us at Kiwitea!
Ends
Match Details
Dettol National League R7
Saturday, 8 November
Kiwitea Street, Sandringham
Auckland City FC Vs Auckland United FC
Kick-off: 3:00pm
AC SQUAD: 1. Conor TRACEY (GK) 2. Mario ILICH (C) 3. Adam MITCHELL 4. Christian GRAY 5. Nikko BOXALL, 6. Orlando THORPE, 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. Riley DALZIELL, 24. Nathan GARROW (GK) 25. Michael DEN HEIJER, 26. David YOO, 27. Haris ZEB, 28 Paris DOMFEH
HEAD COACH : Paul POSA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
ASSISTANT COACH: Adria CASALS
GOALKEEPER COACH: Jonas HOFFMANN
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE
TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON
