(Reuters) -Melbourne City coach Aurelio Vidmar was buoyed by his side's ability to overcome a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 with Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday as he attempts to lead the club into next season's Asian Champions League Elite.
The draw, which came via goals either side of the break from Kai Trewin, keeps City in second place in the A-League with two games of the regular season remaining. Wins in both fixtures will take the club into the continental championship.
Auckland FC lead the A-League by six points but with Steve Corica's side not eligible to qualify for Asian competition due to playing out of Oceania-based New Zealand, the top Australian team in the table will feature in Asian competition next year.
"It's all on us really," said Vidmar, whose team lead third-placed Western United by a point.
"There's no easy games; Adelaide United next week and then our last game, Sydney. So it's a pretty tough draw but, whoever it is, we've got to face them and play to our very best if we want to win.
"But this (performance) gives us confidence. We've had some really good results over the last six or seven weeks, probably a little bit longer, so that builds confidence and builds strength around the group."
The draw between City and Wanderers means A-League debutants Auckland will have to wait at least one more week before being confirmed Premiership champions despite their 2-0 win over Melbourne Victory.
Vidmar's side have overcome the absence of key players such as Andrew Nabbout and Jimmy Jeggo to challenge for the title, although the coach remains hopeful striker Mathew Leckie will return before the end of the regular season.
"We're a much better team with (Leckie) in the team," Vidmar said of the Australia international. "With a bit of luck and work hopefully (he will be available for) the Sydney game, the last one."
(Reporting by Michael Church, Editing by Saad Sayeed)
