Auckland City Bow Out of Club World Cup with Heads Held High After Famous Draw Against Boca Juniors

Auckland City may be leaving the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, but they do so with pride after earning a spirited 1-1 draw against Argentine giants Boca Juniors — ending their eight-match losing streak in the competition.

Knowing they needed a miracle seven-goal margin to progress, Boca came out with urgency. But despite their dominance in the opening half, the South American side struggled to convert possession into goals against a resolute Auckland defence.

Boca finally found a breakthrough midway through the first half in fortunate fashion, as Lautaro Di Lollo’s header rebounded off the post and ricocheted off goalkeeper Nathan Garrow into the net. They came close to extending their lead before the break, hitting the woodwork twice through Carlos Palacios and Miguel Merentiel.

But Auckland City, made up mostly of amateur players, refused to back down. The second half brought a moment that will live long in their history. A simple corner from Jerson Esteban Lagos Giraldo was met powerfully by Christian Gray — a student teacher by day — whose header flew past the goalkeeper to level the scores and send the Kiwi bench into wild celebrations.

A lengthy weather delay added more drama, and Boca thought they had regained the lead through Merentiel, only for his strike to be ruled out due to a handball in the buildup.

With Benfica having already eliminated Boca from knockout contention, the Argentines lacked urgency in the closing stages, and Garrow made key saves to preserve the result.

Though Auckland City finish bottom of the group, they exit the tournament with a hard-earned point and plenty of pride. Their players, many of whom will return to regular day jobs, can hold their heads high after a courageous showing on the world stage.

In contrast, Boca Juniors depart the competition disappointed, winless in their last seven matches in the tournament and well short of expectations.