But the newcomers can't help but feel like they missed the chance to head to Go Media Stadium with a 2-0 lead in the bag.
New Zealand international Logan Rogerson headed home in the 64th minute in front of 14,121 fans at AAMI Park to hand Steve Corica's newcomers a vital lead ahead of next Saturday's second leg.
Then, Neyder Moreno thought he'd made it 2-0 in the 95th minute but his shot clattered off both goalposts and into the excellent Jack Duncan's arms.
"I thought it was in actually, from Neyder. Almost up celebrating already - well, I was half up," Corica said.
"So it would have been nice to go in with a 2-0 lead into the game at home.
"But obviously, I'm very proud of the way we defended today, because they're a good attacking team."
Victory goalkeeper Duncan was unable to get a finger to the late chance, but relieved nonetheless, given another away goal would have been a big task to overcome.
"I'd love to say I did," he said.
"It was a small margin, but thankfully that one stayed out."
The winners will likely face Melbourne City, who are up 3-0 over Western United in the other semi-final.
Auckland are chasing an extraordinary premiership-championship double in their first season.
Victory also have a defensive injury crisis to overcome.
Already without first-choice goalkeeper Mitch Langerak (foot), they suffered a pre-game blow when captain Roderick Miranda (hip) was ruled out.
Brendan Hamill started as skipper in his place but went down in a tackle in the 56th minute screaming in agony with what appeared a serious right knee injury.
"It doesn't look good at the moment," coach Arthur Diles said.
"There's no clarity just yet but he was in a bit of discomfort. So hopefully tomorrow, we'll get some news regarding that.
"I'm not sure about ACL but he's in a lot of pain. Hopefully, it's nothing serious, but we'll find out tomorrow."
It was a sour note in an otherwise entertaining affair during which Victory couldn't manufacture a shot that could beat Auckland's ominous defence or goalkeeper Alex Paulsen.
"We need to be better," Diles said.
"We had a lot of the ball and in the end, we've got to create more and be a little bit more ruthless in front of goal."
Auckland pounced when Frances De Vries whipped in a tantalising cross and with Victory left-back Kasey Bos ball-watching, Rogerson ghosted in to head home.
Auckland's Guillermo May netted in the 72nd minute but was offside, before Moreno's late, dramatic miss.
