Match Summary
Sydney defeated Wellington Phoenix 3:1. The match was played in A-League 2023. Goals were scored by R. Grant 11′, K. Barbarouses 81′, R. Mak 86′, Fábio Gomes 90′. 8 yellow cards were shown. Sydney had 62% possession while Wellington Phoenix held 38%. Sydney had 34 shots (12 on target) compared to 13 (4 on target) for Wellington Phoenix. Sydney made 5 substitutions, Wellington Phoenix made 3.
Match Events
Key match events between Sydney and Wellington Phoenix — 4 goals and 8 cards recorded during the match.
assist: J. Kucharski
assist: O. van Hattum
assist: Fábio Gomes
assist: J. Lolley
Match Statistics
Sydney had 62% possession against Wellington Phoenix's 38%. Sydney registered 34 shots (12 on target) while Wellington Phoenix managed 13 (4 on target). Corner kicks: 13–1. Fouls committed: 16–3.
Lineups
Sydney lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under U. Talay, while Wellington Phoenix deployed a 4-2-2-2 under G. Italiano.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Sydney is 6.71, 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. Sydney's highest-rated starter is R. Grant (6.74), while Wellington Phoenix's best-rated player is A. Rufer (7.21).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Sydney have contributed 0 goals and 2 assists this season, led by —. Wellington Phoenix's starters account for 3 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
Sydney deploy 4 defenders rated 6.71 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
Sydney field 5 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
Sydney start 1 forward(s) averaging —, 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 Sydney 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
Sydney's starters have collected 5 yellow cards this season, compared to 6 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 Sydney's starting XI is 29.5 (youngest: J. King (25), oldest: R. Grant (34)), while Wellington Phoenix average 29.8 (youngest: S. Sutton (24), oldest: K. Barbarouses (35)). 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
Sydney's starters average 14 league appearances each, versus 7 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, Sydney have recorded 3 wins, 1 draws and 2 defeats. Wellington Phoenix show 0 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses from their last 6 outings.
Sydney
Wellington Phoenix
Head to Head
Sydney and Wellington Phoenix have met 2 times — Sydney won 1, Wellington Phoenix won 1, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2026. A combined 3 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 1.50 per match (1 for the home side, 2 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 0 matches (0%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 0 games (0%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 0–2 in 2026.
1
Sydney
0
Drawn
1
Wellington Phoenix
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 15 Mar 2026