CINCINNATI, USA – Auckland City FC opened their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a sobering 10-0 defeat to German powerhouse Bayern Munich at TQL Stadium.
16 June 2025
Facing a full-strength side featuring global superstars such as Manuel Neuer, Thomas Müller, Kingsley Coman, and Harry Kane, the Navy Blues were under no illusions about the scale of the challenge ahead. “It was going to be an uphill challenge,” admitted defender Adam Mitchell. “Bayern Munich is a world-class team… they showed their class today.”
Despite the daunting opposition, Auckland City defended with discipline from the outset. Conor Tracey denied Coman early on with a sharp save, but the French winger struck from the ensuing corner to open the scoring.
From there, Bayern’s relentless tempo and quality told the story. First-half goals from Sacha Boey, Michael Olise, and a brace each from Coman and Müller sent the European champions into the break 6-0 up. “We wanted to keep it close at the beginning,” Mitchell said, “but their class showed in the early minutes, and from there, it was an uphill battle.”
In the second half, Musiala came on for Kane and carved through the tired City legs, notching a hat-trick. Müller capped off the scoring with his second of the night.
While the scoreboard told a harsh story, Auckland City’s effort and conduct told another. The Oceania champions never resorted to time-wasting, avoided yellow cards, and continued to play with composure and pride. “Really proud of the boys and the efforts. It’s been a tough four years to get here… and the beauty of this tournament is we have another game,” said Mitchell.
City’s few bright spots included Tracey, who pulled off several impressive saves, and substitute Jerson Lagos, whose pace and confidence provided a late spark. Angus Kilkolly had a late opportunity to find a consolation goal, but Neuer was equal to the task.
Auckland City now regroup ahead of their next clash, a matchup with Portuguese giants Benfica, kicking off Saturday at 4:00 AM (NZT).
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Ends
Match Result
FIFA Club World Cup
Monday, 16 Jun (NZT), TQL Stadium
Bayern Munich: 10( Kingsley COMAN 6′, 21’, Sacha BOEY 18’, Michael Olise 20’, 45+3’, Thomas Müller 45’ 89’, Jamal Musiala 67’, 73’(P), 84’)
Auckland City FC: 0
HT: 6–0
AC: 1. Conor TRACEY (GK), 2. Mario ILICH (C), 3. Adam MITCHELL, 5. Nikko BOXALL 7. Myer BEVAN, 8. Gerard GARRIGA (22. Tong ZHOU 65’), 10. Dylan MANICKUM (9. Angus Kilkolly 70’), 12. Regont MURATI, 13. Nathan LOBO (17. Jerson LAGOS 65’), 25. Michael Den Heijer (23. Alfred Rogers 81’), 26. David YOO (11. Ryan DE VRIES 70’).
SUBS NOT USED: 4. Chrtistian GRAY, 6. Jackson MANUEL, 14. Jordan VALE, 16. Joseph LEE, 18. Sebastian CIGANDA (GK), 19. Dylan CONNOLLY, 20. Matthew ELLIS, 21. Adam BELL, 24. Nathan GARROW (GK), 27. Haris ZEB
HEAD COACH (Interim): Ivan VICELICH
ASSISTANT COACH: Adria CASALS
ASSISTANT COACH: Daewook KIM
TECHNICAL ANALYST: Malte THESENVITZ
GK COACH: Jonas HOFFMANN
TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE
PHYSIO: Zara ELLIS
PHYSIO: Natalia KOSINSKA
TEAM DOCTOR: Craig PANTHER
TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON
