Twelve days ago we were hailing a win over a Moroccan champions on their home soil, which was a highly significant achievement. They then prevailed over the African champions, and were even the dominant team over the 90 minutes which was a extraordinary achievement.
A few days later they were all but written off against San Lorenzo, the champions of the formidable South American continent. And the ASB Premiership side rose again - refused to back down - and could have stolen the game.
Today was another huge challenge; the best team from the North American confederation, the region which performed so well at the last World Cup.
Cruz Azul have almost 100 years of history behind them and have won the Concacaf Champions League on a record six occasions.
And this was a big deal for the Mexicans; sometimes third place matches are bitter-sweet, but no one had expected La Maquina to beat Real Madrid so this was their chance to end the tournament with a bang.
But somehow - despite playing their fourth game in 12 days - Auckland City found a way, again.
They scored a superb first half goal through Ryan De Vries, who surely has done enough now to be included in Anthony Hudson's next All Whites squad. The 47th minute strike was just reward for a team that is always looking for attacking opportunities, never completely reliant on their exceptional defensive structure.
Coach Ramon Tribulietx - who has probably barely slept over the last week, as he has scouted each new opponent in his famously meticulous way - again played his cards well.
Recently qualified lawyer Jacob Spoonley had an inspired game in goal for Auckland in place of Tamati Williams and Darren White did an admirable job in place of the suspended Angel Berlanga. And Mario Bilen was strong in the heart of defence, stepping in for the injured Marko Dordevic.
The Mexican side lifted noticeably after half-time - their captain admitted they were "asleep" at the start of the game - and it looked ominous when they equalised in the 57th minute. Auckland City came under immense pressure but stuck to their plans, and kept defending with courage and composure.
"The Auckland side could be running out of steam but you can never discount this team," said highly respected television commentator John Helm, with about 20 minutes to play. "They do not believe in a lost cause."
Although the Mexicans dominated the second period, Auckland held firm, aided by a couple of point blank saves from Spoonley and even created a half chance to Tim Payne.
Once the match went to penalties you just felt that Auckland would do it, especially after they won the coin toss and elected to go first. And so it was, as the Mexicans crumbled under pressure while the New Zealand part timers held their nerve.
