Auckland FC's Alexander Paulsen up against Wellington Phoenix's Isaac Hughes, 7 December 2024. Photo: Photosport / Shane Wenzlick
I think we can now safely say that we have a genuine, bonafide football rivalry on our hands in New Zealand.
Prior to the first Kiwi Clasico in November - when newbies Auckland FC headed to Sky Stadium to take on the Wellington Phoenix - the mood was convivial. Auckland lauding the Phoenix for blazing the Kiwi football trail for nearly two decades while the 'Nix were just happy to have a friend to play with in the Australian sandbox.
However, after the events of that game, and after Auckland picked up the win again at the weekend, that honeymoon period is over. The neighbours are noisy and things are starting to spice up.
It took just 30 seconds for Paulo Retre to go hammering into Felipe Gallegos, setting the tempo for a game in which Wellington picked up five yellow cards - six if you include the uncharacteristic booking of the usually level-headed Giancarlo Italiano. Kosta Barbarouses entered the book for a late challenge on Alex Paulsen. The former Phoenix goalkeeper was bundled over on numerous occasions - a little friendly reminder of his roots from his old buddies. Alex Rufer also entered the book at the weekend, for leaving a foot or two in on a downed Luis Toomey. The Phoenix captain clearly has not forgotten how anoither former teammate gloated over his crestfallen goalie Josh Oluwayemi in that debut derby. By comparison, the Phoenix were brandished no cautions in the November fixture - a clear sign that the welcome mat has been pulled aside.
That was clear before the game. Italiano earned the rankle of Auckland boss Steve Corica for implying the Black Knights have been lucky with their scheduling in their debut season. There's actually no luck about it, with the plethora of home fixtures a deliberate ploy by the A-Leagues to ensure Auckland get the momentum to thrive as the 13th expansion team. The idea that Auckland were 'there for the taking' considerably irked Chiefy's opposite number. It served as pre-game fodder to his charges, and earned a disrebuke post-game, with Corica labelling the comments as disrespectful. Italiano was not alone though. Tim Payne spoke of knocking Auckland off their perch. Corban Piper spoke of smashing their new rivals. The Phoenix were here for retribution but, in the end, were deserved losers in a thrilling finale.
There's even the debate over this record attendance for a regular season game in New Zealand. One more person, apparently, was at Saturday's game compared to the Cake Tin in November. It's deliciously petty.
Auckland have surpassed all expectations with six wins from six and while the Phoenix can at least take some resolve from becoming the first team to break their defensive barrier it's clear their rivals from up north are not here to make up the numbers. If the first derby felt like a celebration for all of New Zealand football this felt like a dividing line was being drawn. It's the Port v the Yellow Fever, Corica v Chiefy, the enterprisers v the established, Auckland v
Wellington. What a time to be a football fan in Aotearoa. Bring on February 22, when we can do it all again!
Nottingham Forest's New Zealand striker Chris Wood celebrates after scoring his team's third goal against Manchester United in a Premier League game at Old Trafford Photo: AFP
In other football news:
It was a better weekend for the Wellington Phoenix women, as Annalie Longo's brace inspired them to a 2-1 win over Brisbane Roar. That's two on the bounce for the Wahinix, moving them up the table to eighth.
Chris Wood was back on the scoresheet as Nottingham Forest stunned Manchester United with a first win at Old Trafford in three decades. Wood's looping header had United's defence and goalkeeper bamboozled into statuesque rigidity as Forest won 3-2.
Manchester City dropped more points in their flailing title defence, drawing 2-2 at Crystal Palace. The only reason Liverpool were unable to potentially further the gap between the pair was a storm which saw their Merseyside Derby at Everton postponed.
Arsenal also failed to capitalise on Liverpool's inaction, drawing 1-1 at Fulham but Chelsea, however, are emerging as the most likely contenders. Cole Palmer took his 'cold' reputation to new levels with a petulant pitch of a Panenka penalty in a 4-3 win over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. The Blues are now just four points behind Liverpool in second place.
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