Aurelio Vidmar’s squad appears to have secured a finals spot that seemed uncertain just a few weeks ago.
Key Statistics
Golden Boot Race
Round 24 Highlights
Aurelio Vidmar and Melbourne City have found their form at just the right moment, seemingly securing their finals position after benefitting from Wellington Phoenix and Macarthur FC’s setbacks, thereby widening their lead over the chasing teams to four points with two rounds remaining.
Despite struggling for clean sheets during February and March, juggling continental commitments with a faltering domestic campaign, Vidmar’s perseverance has paid off. The team’s impressive turnaround includes a five-match unbeaten streak (W4, D1), featuring three clean sheets, matching their total from the preceding 13 A-League outings.
In a recent press conference, Vidmar noted that the heightened pressure of must-win situations has unleashed the best from both the players and the support crew, creating an ideal mentality as they approach the finals, which kick off in three weeks.
Their remarkable run of three wins in just eight days has significantly bolstered their title aspirations, albeit all three matches were hosted at AAMI Park against teams either already out of contention or nearly so. Nevertheless, their defensive organisation has been commendable, supported by a fully fit back four.
With Aziz Behich and Marcus Younis excelling on the wings, and their defensive unit showing strong cohesion, the race for the last playoff spot includes the recent 2025/26 Club Championship winners.
Round 24 Disappointments
It’s evident that Macarthur FC and Wellington Phoenix have earned the unfortunate label of ‘big losers’ this week, as their hopes of finals qualification no longer rest in their own hands.
Managers Sterjovski and Greenacre both referenced the dreaded ‘mathematical chance’, with the latter acknowledging how a team’s hopes are essentially dashed once they enter that realm, especially as Melbourne City look unlikely to drop points against either Brisbane Roar (away) or Adelaide United (home) in their final matches.
On a positive note, the Phoenix have performed admirably to remain in contention after a sudden management change, with interim coach Chris Greenacre now looking secure in his role.
Macarthur had pinned their hopes on the significant acquisition of Socceroo Mitch Duke in January to propel them into the top six. However, the fact that Duke is currently the team’s third-leading scorer after 11 games emphasizes their overall lack of offensive strength, particularly given that teammate Harry Sawyer was in Golden Boot running earlier in the season.
The Bulls are now on a 13-match streak without a clean sheet since their New Year’s Day victory over the Wanderers—15 matches if continental games are included. They face the daunting challenge of needing wins in Adelaide next weekend, amongst other tasks.
Team of the Week
For more details on our Round 24 Team of the Week, click here.
Goal of the Week
Manager Insights
Airton Andrioli (Adelaide United): “I thought it was an excellent match tonight. What pleased me was that two strong teams were keen to play quality football. It was an enjoyable spectacle. However, I will walk away feeling frustrated that VAR is ruining our game … For me, it’s detracting from football’s integrity. I believe the on-field referees are doing a commendable job, but the technology is proving to be detrimental and regressive for our sport.“
Aurelio Vidmar (Melbourne City): “It was a solid performance from us. We knew it would be tough, particularly given the physicality of their strikers, Eze and Piper. I thought Sammy (Souprayen) and German (Ferreyra) did brilliantly to manage them. As a team, we functioned well and deserved the win despite facing some tense moments that we dealt with professionally.“
Michael Valkanis (Brisbane Roar): “We ought to have closed out the match in the first half and not allowed them that 10-15 minutes in which they got on top of us. I was quite frustrated by our second half start, particularly since we discussed it during the break. It’s part of Central Coast’s DNA to come out with more physicality and intensity, but we had lapses that cost us. Two shots on target, two goals conceded—that’s been a recurring theme for our season.“
For more post-match comments from all 12 managers, click here.
Upcoming Fixtures
As the regular season approaches its climax, Macarthur, Wellington, and Central Coast find themselves staring down their final opportunities.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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