Match Summary
Auckland defeated Sydney 1:0. The match was played in A-League 2024. Goals were scored by N. Pijnaker 90′. 4 yellow cards were shown. Auckland had 41% possession while Sydney held 59%. Auckland had 19 shots (3 on target) compared to 12 (3 on target) for Sydney. Auckland made 4 substitutions, Sydney made 4. VAR was involved: Goal cancelled (Hayden Matthews 86′).
Match Events
Key match events between Auckland and Sydney — 1 goals and 4 cards recorded during the match.
assist: J. Brimmer
Match Statistics
Auckland had 41% possession against Sydney's 59%. Auckland registered 19 shots (3 on target) while Sydney managed 12 (3 on target). Corner kicks: 9–4. Fouls committed: 17–12.
Lineups
Auckland lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under S. Corica, while Sydney deployed a 4-2-3-1 under U. Talay.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Auckland is 6.79, compared to 6.69 for Sydney. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Auckland's highest-rated starter is F. de Vries (7.38), while Sydney's best-rated player is A. Popović (6.95).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Auckland have contributed 7 goals and 14 assists this season, led by G. May (3G). Sydney's starters account for 2 goals and 1 assists, spearheaded by A. Popović (2G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Auckland deploy 4 defenders rated 6.96 on average, against Sydney's 4-man backline averaging 6.73. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Auckland field 5 midfielders averaging 6.68, versus Sydney's 5 rated 6.57. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Auckland start 1 forward(s) averaging 6.72, compared to 1 for Sydney averaging —. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Discipline
Auckland's starters have collected 11 yellow cards this season, compared to 4 for Sydney. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Auckland's starting XI is 27.5 (youngest: L. Gillion (23), oldest: F. Gallegos (34)), while Sydney average 25.5 (youngest: C. Hollman (22), oldest: R. Grant (34)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Auckland's starters average 15 league appearances each, versus 11 for Sydney. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Auckland have recorded 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeats. Sydney show 3 wins, 1 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
Auckland
Sydney
Head to Head
Auckland and Sydney have met 2 times — Auckland won 1, Sydney won 0, with 1 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2026. Auckland leads the head-to-head with 1 victories from 2 meetings. A combined 3 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 1.50 per match (2 for the home side, 1 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 1 matches (50%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 0 games (0%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 1–1 in 2026.
1
Auckland
1
Drawn
0
Sydney
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 15 Mar 2026