When Auckland City lined up to face Bayern Munich, few expected an even contest. But the staggering 10-0 result not only highlighted the vast gulf in quality between the two sides but also cast a spotlight on the personal stories behind the players from the New Zealand club — particularly that of Spanish player Gerard Garriga.
An Unforgettable, Humbling Experience
Bayern’s dominance was complete from the opening whistle. The German champions ruthlessly displayed their firepower, delivering one of the most lopsided results seen on such a stage. But for players like Garriga, the match was more than just a painful defeat — it was a surreal experience of stepping onto the same field as global superstars while juggling the realities of semi-professional life.
“We earn around €300 a month, and many of us had to take vacation days from our day jobs to even be here,” Garriga revealed after the match. “Facing Bayern was incredible — but also overwhelming.”
Two Worlds Apart
The contrast between the two teams couldn’t have been starker. Bayern’s multimillion-euro squad features some of the world’s most talented and highest-paid players, trained in state-of-the-art facilities with full-time professional support. Meanwhile, Auckland City’s players train part-time while balancing regular jobs and studies.
For Garriga, who works a regular job outside of football, simply reaching this stage of international competition was a dream — even if the result was brutal. “We knew we were going to suffer,” he admitted. “But we wanted to enjoy every second of it.”
The Harsh Reality of Global Football
Matches like this serve as a reminder of football’s enormous financial divide. While top European clubs operate with almost limitless resources, many teams from smaller leagues struggle to stay afloat, relying on passion, community support, and part-time athletes who play for love of the game.
Despite the heavy loss, Garriga and his teammates remain proud of their journey. “Not many players get to share the field with clubs like Bayern Munich. We leave with our heads held high.”
A Growing Appreciation for the Underdogs
The story of Gerard Garriga and Auckland City has resonated with football fans worldwide, sparking conversations about the romantic side of football — where passion and sacrifice still drive players far away from the glitz and glamour of the sport’s elite.
While Bayern Munich marches forward in the competition, for Garriga and his teammates, the experience will remain unforgettable — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete on football’s biggest stage, even if it came at the cost of a crushing 10-0 defeat.