Western Sydney Wanderers defeat Auckland FC 5-2

NZ HeraldStuffThe PostRNZSaturday 24 October 2026 · 4 outlets · 6 reports · updated

In this story Auckland FC, A-League, Melbourne City, Liam Gillion, Western Sydney Wanderers

Photo: NZ Herald (opens in new tab)

Western Sydney Wanderers defeated Auckland FC 5-2 at CommBank Stadium in an A-League Men's round two clash. Despite an early lead by Luka Vicelich, the defending champions conceded five goals, including a goal from former Auckland player Liam Gillion.

Key facts

4 facts
  • Western Sydney Wanderers defeated Auckland FC 5-2 in A-League Men's round two at CommBank StadiumThe PostRNZ
  • Luka Vicelich became Auckland FC's youngest-ever goal-scorerThe Post
  • This was the first time Auckland FC conceded five goals in a matchStuffThe PostRNZ
  • Western Sydney Wanderers achieved their first win in five meetings against Auckland FCThe PostRNZ

The full story

1 min read · 4 outlets

Western Sydney Wanderers secured a 5-2 victory over defending champions Auckland FC at CommBank Stadium in Sydney. The defeat marks the first time Auckland FC has conceded five goals in a single match.StuffThe PostRNZ

Auckland FC took an early lead through 18-year-old Luka Vicelich, who became the club's youngest-ever goal-scorer by volleying in a cross. Reports differ on the assist for this goal, with one stating it came from Francis de Vries and another attributing it to Lachlan Brook. Western Sydney captain Brandon Borrello equalised just before halftime following a counterattack.StuffThe PostRNZ

The Wanderers dominated the second half, scoring four goals to Auckland's one. Liam Gillion, a former Auckland FC player, scored 50 seconds after the restart to put Western Sydney ahead. Nicolas Milanovic then made it 3-1, followed by an own goal from Borrello that briefly brought Auckland back into the contest. Miguel Di Pizio and Atiya Waraga scored late goals to complete the rout.The PostRNZ

The loss provides a significant challenge for Auckland FC coach Pedro Moreira, who saw his side struggle for cohesion after a winning start to the season. Auckland FC will next play Brisbane Roar.The PostRNZ

Where reports differ

  • Reports disagree on whether Luka Vicelich's goal was assisted by Francis de Vries or Lachlan BrookThe PostRNZ

Compiled from reports by Stuff, NZ Herald, The Post and RNZ.

How they headlined it

First reported by NZ Herald, Sat 24 Oct, 6:30pm · 6 reports from 4 outlets over 4 hours
  1. NZ HeraldNZ Herald

    Auckland FC v Western Sydney Wanderers live updates: A-League Men’s round two clash from CommBank Stadium (opens in new tab)

  2. StuffStuff

    Live: Western Sydney Wanderers v Auckland FC - A-League Men (opens in new tab)

  3. The PostThe Post via Stuff

    A-League Men: Auckland FC stunned by Western Sydney after conceding five goals for first time (opens in new tab)

  4. RNZRNZ

    Auckland FC leak five goals in Western Sydney loss (opens in new tab)