Auckland City captain Cam Howieson. FIFA Club World Cup. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Auckland City have been beaten 3-0 by Saudi club Al-Ittihad at the FIFA Club World Cup.
The home side dominated the game and were ahead 3-0 at half time following goals from Brazilian Romarinho and Frenchmen N'Golo Kante and Karim Benzama.
The second half didn't live up to the excitement of the first 45 minutes although Al-Ittihad did continue to have scoring chances.
Auckland City midfielder Regi Murati admits they were playing catchup after the first half onslaught.
"Coming in against a bunch of pros they definetely showed their quality," Murati told RNZ.
"We were just playing catchup."
Auckland now return home while Al-Ittihad go on to meet African championships Al Ahly of Egypt in the second round.
The Saudis had 27 attempts on goal compared to Auckland's four.
Afterwards Auckland City player Nathan Lobo said.
"It's an experience of a lifetime. We don't get to play in stadiums like this and play against stars like that. It's amazing."
Al Ittihad now go on to meet African champions Al Ahly of Egypt in the second round.
Also in the second round CONCACAF Champions League winners Leon of Mexico play Asian champions Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan.
City goalkeeper Conor Tracey made a number of good saves to keep them in the game.
South American champions Fluminense and European champions Manchester City join the competition at the semi-final stage.
The FIFA Club World Cup is made up of the six Confederation champions plus a club from the host country.