Match Summary
Adelaide United and Wellington Phoenix drew 2:2. The match was played in A-League 2023. Goals were scored by K. Barbarouses 15′, H. Ibusuki 26′, K. Barbarouses 46′, H. Ibusuki 55′. 6 yellow cards were shown, 1 red cards. Adelaide United had 54% possession while Wellington Phoenix held 46%. Adelaide United had 28 shots (7 on target) compared to 8 (4 on target) for Wellington Phoenix. Adelaide United made 5 substitutions, Wellington Phoenix made 3. VAR was involved: Goal cancelled (Bozhidar Kraev 13′).
Match Events
Key match events between Adelaide United and Wellington Phoenix — 4 goals and 7 cards recorded during the match.
assist: L. Kelly-Heald
assist: Z. Clough
assist: N. Irankunda
Match Statistics
Adelaide United had 54% possession against Wellington Phoenix's 46%. Adelaide United registered 28 shots (7 on target) while Wellington Phoenix managed 8 (4 on target). Corner kicks: 18–1. Fouls committed: 14–5.
Lineups
Adelaide United lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under C. Veart, while Wellington Phoenix deployed a 4-3-1-2 under G. Italiano.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Adelaide United is 6.84, compared to 6.82 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. Adelaide United's highest-rated starter is L. Jovanović (6.84), while Wellington Phoenix's best-rated player is A. Rufer (7.21).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Adelaide United have contributed 6 goals and 3 assists this season, led by L. Jovanović (6G). 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
Adelaide United deploy 4 defenders rated — on average, against Wellington Phoenix's 4-man backline averaging 6.63. 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
Adelaide United field 5 midfielders averaging 6.84, 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
Adelaide United 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 Adelaide United 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
Adelaide United's starters have collected 2 yellow cards this season, compared to 8 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 Adelaide United's starting XI is 20.0 (youngest: L. Jovanović (20), oldest: L. Jovanović (20)), while Wellington Phoenix average 28.8 (youngest: L. Kelly-Heald (20), 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
Adelaide United's starters average 16 league appearances each, versus 11 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
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Adelaide United have recorded 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeats. Wellington Phoenix show 0 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses from their last 6 outings.
Adelaide United
Wellington Phoenix
Head to Head
Adelaide United and Wellington Phoenix have met 3 times — Adelaide United won 0, Wellington Phoenix won 1, with 2 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. Wellington Phoenix leads the head-to-head with 1 victories from 3 meetings. A combined 9 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 3.00 per match (4 for the home side, 5 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 3 matches (100%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 2 games (67%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Wellington Phoenix are currently unbeaten in the last 3 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 2–2 in 2026.
0
Adelaide United
2
Drawn
1
Wellington Phoenix
Recent Meetings (3)
API data: 15 Mar 2026