WATCH: Highlights from Auckland FC's 2-2 draw at Melbourne City ...

Auckland FC’s unbeaten start to the men’s A-League remains intact, thanks to a stoppage-time goal from striker Neyder Moreno that earned his side a 2-2 draw at Melbourne City.

Melbourne City led twice, and Auckland FC were denied the lead after a VAR decision in a game that was full of incidents at AAMI Park.

Both goalkeepers were at least partly at fault for goals.

Melbourne City had the better of the first half and took the lead in the 18th minute when Medin Memeti met a low cross to the near post, turning it into the Auckland FC net.

However, league leaders Auckland FC became more aggressive in the second half, pressing their opponents high up the pitch and dominating possession.

The higher level of intensity paid off when Auckland FC won their first corner of the game, seven minutes into the second half.

Francis de Vries swung  the corner into the pit of players jostling on the goalline and teammate Guillermo May was able to get a clean header onto the ball, steering it into the net.

With the score level at 1-1, the Aucklanders looked the most likely to score next and midway through the half, they appeared to have taken the lead.

A Jake Brimmer corner was headed clear and back to Brimmer, who set up de Vries to curl another searching cross into the box.

Moreno was unmarked and headed the ball into the goal.

The celebrations were soon dampened when a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review decided Brimmer had been offside when he passed the ball to de Vries.

Buoyed by the decision, Melbourne City immediately set out to harry the Aucklanders in the Victorian heat.

It led to a moment of disaster for Auckland FC’s centre back Nando Pijnaker and goalkeeper Alex Paulsen, the two players who have been central to the side’s impressive defensive performance this season.

Pijnaker sent a back pass to Paulsen who either misjudged the pace and direction of the ball, or was caught out by a rogue bounce, and the ball trickled into the Auckland net.

When the game entered seven minutes of added time, Auckland FC head coach Steve Corica was urging everyone forward, including veteran defender Tommy Smith who became a makeshift striker.

The pressure was rewarded five minutes into stoppage time when Auckland FC won a free kick on the edge of the area.

Moreno stepped up and smashed the ball over the defensive wall and through the flailing hands of goalkeeper Patrick Beach who will be disappointed he did not parry the shot.

The draw gives the Aucklanders a two-point lead in the competition.

Game played on Sunday December 15, 2024

Melbourne City 2 (Medin Memeti 18′, own goal 79′) Auckland FC 2 (Guillermo May 53′, Neyder Moreno 90+5′)