Home team Goalkeeper saves 5

Away team Goalkeeper saves 3

Home team Shots on target 12

Away team Shots on target 10

Home team Shots off target 8

Away team Shots off target 7

Home team Corner kicks 8

Away team Corner kicks 7

Home team Fouls 2

Away team Fouls 3

Home team Substitutions 3

Away team Substitutions 2

Home team Offsides 2

Away team Offsides 3

As the dust settles on an exceptional night of football in the OFC Champions League, Auckland City squeezed a thrilling 7-6 victory over Ifira Black Bird FC in a game marked by sheer excellence in attacking firepower.

Both sides displayed stellar offensive play, with clear chances created at both ends. Auckland City edged out Ifira Black Bird FC with their sharper aim on goal, as evidenced by a total of 12 shots on target compared to Ifira Black Bird FC’s 10. Auckland City’s ability to convert correct positionings into a higher number of goals reflected their superior finishing within the 18-yard box; a skill that ultimately allowed them to snatch the win.

Moreover, Ifira Black Bird FC's performance could have been different with relatively more precision upfront. Their tally of 7 shots off target ended up as wasted opportunities to get on the score sheet.

Goalkeeping was also a decisive factor in this high-intensity match. The keepers of both teams were highly engaged due to the relentless assaults on their goal lines. The Auckland City goalkeeper made 5 crucial saves, compared to the 3 saves from Ifira Black Bird FC's goalie. The extra few stops made by Auckland's goalkeeper were paramount in ensuring they kept their slender lead.

Corner kicks were aplenty in this back and forth encounter, but Auckland City slightly outperformed Ifira Black Bird FC, making better use of their 8 corners, compared to 7 from their opponents. Both teams had to rely on their defences to prevent the opponents from creating threats off these set-piece opportunities.

The tactical insight of both teams was reflected in their usage of substitutes. Auckland City made one more substitution than their counterparts, making all 3 permitted changes. This may have played a part in maintaining the team's stamina and dynamism, giving them the slight edge needed in their narrow win.

Facing a match with intense battles for ball possession, both teams showed great discipline, getting infractions rarely with Auckland City Fouls 2, and Ifira Black Bird FC Fouls 3. Surprisingly, despite such a fiercely competitive setting, there was a complete absence of any booking from the referee, with zero yellow and red cards given throughout the match.

In this fast-paced encounter, the away team found themselves caught offside 3 times, compared to twice for the home team. Though minimal, these offsides prevented potential scoring situations, and in a close match like this, every chance counts.

In conclusion, the defining narratives of this thrilling encounter were efficient finishing, goalkeeping bravery, and effective utilization of corners and substitutes. Despite a high-scoring affair, Ifira Black Bird FC fell just short due to marginally less precision in front of goal and fewer big saves from their keeper. This match offers a mesmerizing exhibition of attacking football, an edge-of-the-seat thrill-ride for every football lover and bettor alike.

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