Match Summary
Melbourne City defeated Wellington Phoenix 4:1. The match was played in A-League 2022. Goals were scored by J. Maclaren 34′, S. Ugarković 49′, J. Maclaren 52′, M. Tilio 57′, M. Tilio 83′. 2 yellow cards were shown, 1 red cards. Melbourne City had 55% possession while Wellington Phoenix held 45%. Melbourne City had 22 shots (12 on target) compared to 8 (4 on target) for Wellington Phoenix. Melbourne City made 4 substitutions, Wellington Phoenix made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Melbourne City and Wellington Phoenix — 5 goals and 3 cards recorded during the match.
assist: Yan Sasse
assist: A. Nabbout
assist: A. Nabbout
assist: J. Bos
Match Statistics
Melbourne City had 55% possession against Wellington Phoenix's 45%. Melbourne City registered 22 shots (12 on target) while Wellington Phoenix managed 8 (4 on target). Corner kicks: 7–2. Fouls committed: 18–8.
Lineups
Melbourne City lined up in a 4-3-3 formation under R. Vidošić, while Wellington Phoenix deployed a 4-4-2 under U. Talay.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Melbourne City is 6.55, compared to 6.83 for Wellington Phoenix. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Melbourne City's highest-rated starter is A. Nabbout (6.55), while Wellington Phoenix's best-rated player is A. Rufer (7.21).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Melbourne City have contributed 1 goals and 0 assists this season, led by A. Nabbout (1G). Wellington Phoenix's starters account for 2 goals and 4 assists, spearheaded by A. Rufer (2G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Melbourne City deploy 4 defenders rated — on average, against Wellington Phoenix's 4-man backline averaging 6.44. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Melbourne City field 3 midfielders averaging —, versus Wellington Phoenix's 4 rated 7.21. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Melbourne City start 3 forward(s) averaging 6.55, compared to 2 for Wellington Phoenix averaging —. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages —% for Melbourne City and 44% for Wellington Phoenix. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Melbourne City's starters have collected 0 yellow cards this season, compared to 5 for Wellington Phoenix. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Melbourne City's starting XI is 33.0 (youngest: A. Nabbout (33), oldest: A. Nabbout (33)), while Wellington Phoenix average 28.0 (youngest: S. Sutton (24), oldest: T. Payne (31)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Melbourne City's starters average 10 league appearances each, versus 9 for Wellington Phoenix. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Melbourne City have recorded 1 wins, 3 draws and 2 defeats. Wellington Phoenix show 0 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses from their last 6 outings.
Melbourne City
Wellington Phoenix
Head to Head
Melbourne City and Wellington Phoenix have met 1 times — Melbourne City won 0, Wellington Phoenix won 0, with 1 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2026. A combined 4 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 4.00 per match (2 for the home side, 2 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 1 matches (100%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 1 games (100%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 2–2 in 2026.
0
Melbourne City
1
Drawn
0
Wellington Phoenix
Recent Meetings (1)
API data: 15 Mar 2026