![\"Guillermo](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4JP8YBN_260502AKLFCvMelbourne_045_JPG.jpeg\")
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\nGuillermo May and Auckland FC are through to the semi-finals of the A-League.
\nPhoto: Andrew Cornaga\/www.photosport.nz\n<\/p>\n
Auckland FC have ended Melbourne City’s A-League title defence with a win in penalties an Elimination Final on Saturday.<\/p>\n
By recording their first victory in six weeks Auckland progress to the semi-finals for the second consecutive season.<\/p>\n
Shaking off their patchy home form Auckland kept their season alive by the barest of margins in their first ever penalty shoot-out.<\/p>\n
For a second week in a row Auckland forward Guillermo May headed home to open the scoring. May’s goal came on the stroke of half-time.<\/p>\n
The Uruguayan has had success against City, having scored his third goal of the season against them in February, the last time City were in Auckland.<\/p>\n
Auckland were frantic in their pursuit of a second goal late in the game but it was their defence that had to stand up against a desperate City.<\/p>\n
In the fourth minute of stoppage time City equalised from a set piece with substitute Medin Memeti on the back post firing the ball into the net.<\/p>\n
The home side applied the pressure in the first period of extra time forcing City goalkeeper Patrick Beach into a couple of good saves but could not add to their score before the final 15 minutes of the match.<\/p>\n
Neither team scored in the second period of extra time, so the game was decided on penalties.<\/p>\n
Both teams scored their first six penalties before Auckland goalkeeper Michael saved City’s seventh attempt and Dan Hall slotted the winner for Auckland.<\/p>\n
Auckland now host Adelaide United next week in the first match of a two-legged semi-final.<\/p>\n
See how the match unfolded here:<\/p>\n