PERTH, Australia (Interstat) — In a dramatic reversal of pregame projections, Perth Glory opened its A-League season with a 2-1 comeback victory over Auckland FC at HBF Park on Saturday.

The match, which kicked off the 2025-26 campaign for both clubs, defied the statistical expectations set by Interstat. Its game simulator had forecast a 2-1 win for the visitors, and its ELO rating system gave Auckland FC a slight edge with a 50.60 percent probability to win. Instead, it was the home side that claimed all three points in front of its supporters in Western Australia.

Auckland FC, the visiting side from New Zealand, struck first against the run of play. Substitute Jesse Randall broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute, capitalizing on an assist from fellow substitute Francis de Vries to give the visitors a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.

The momentum shifted decisively in the final quarter-hour of the match, powered by a standout performance from Perth Glory defender Jaiden Kucharski. The defender leveled the score in the 75th minute, finishing a play set up by midfielder William Freney to make it 1-1.

Kucharski then delivered the winner in dramatic fashion, scoring again in the 90th minute to complete his brace and secure the victory for the Glory. His late-game heroics were assisted by midfielder Giovanni De Abreu, who provided the crucial service for the decisive goal.

The match was a physical affair, with three yellow cards issued by the officiating crew. Auckland FC’s de Vries was booked in the 47th minute, shortly after his assist. Freney of Perth received a caution in the 87th minute, and De Abreu was shown a yellow in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time.

With the result, Perth Glory begins its A-League season with a perfect record of one win and zero losses. Auckland FC starts its campaign in the competition with zero wins and one loss. The records are identical across all competitions for both clubs this season.

The victory provides a positive start for Perth under the league’s structure, while Auckland FC will look to regroup after letting a lead slip away in the closing stages of its season opener. The teams are scheduled to meet again later in the A-League season.