Match Summary
Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne Victory drew 1:1. The match was played in A-League 2023. Goals were scored by C. Chapman 79′, A. Rufer 90′ (pen.). 1 yellow cards were shown, 1 red cards. Wellington Phoenix had 37% possession while Melbourne Victory held 63%. Wellington Phoenix had 10 shots (3 on target) compared to 19 (6 on target) for Melbourne Victory. Wellington Phoenix made 4 substitutions, Melbourne Victory made 5. VAR was involved: Goal cancelled (Christopher Ikonomidis 43′), Card upgrade (Tim Payne 45′), Penalty confirmed (Oskar van Hattum 90′).
Match Events
Key match events between Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne Victory — 2 goals and 2 cards recorded during the match.
assist: N. Velupillay
Penalty
Match Statistics
Wellington Phoenix had 37% possession against Melbourne Victory's 63%. Wellington Phoenix registered 10 shots (3 on target) while Melbourne Victory managed 19 (6 on target). Corner kicks: 4–15. Fouls committed: 6–10.
Lineups
Wellington Phoenix lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation under G. Italiano, while Melbourne Victory deployed a 4-2-3-1 under T. Popović.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Wellington Phoenix is 6.82, compared to 6.74 for Melbourne Victory. 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. Wellington Phoenix's highest-rated starter is A. Rufer (7.21), while Melbourne Victory's best-rated player is Roderick Miranda (6.97).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Wellington Phoenix have contributed 3 goals and 4 assists this season, led by A. Rufer (2G). Melbourne Victory's starters account for 2 goals and 2 assists, spearheaded by N. Velupillay (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
Wellington Phoenix deploy 3 defenders rated 6.81 on average, against Melbourne Victory's 4-man backline averaging 6.72. 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
Wellington Phoenix field 4 midfielders averaging 6.83, versus Melbourne Victory's 5 rated 6.76. 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
Wellington Phoenix start 3 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 1 for Melbourne Victory 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 44% for Wellington Phoenix and 75% for Melbourne Victory. 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
Wellington Phoenix's starters have collected 8 yellow cards this season, compared to 4 for Melbourne Victory. 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 Wellington Phoenix's starting XI is 28.8 (youngest: L. Kelly-Heald (20), oldest: K. Barbarouses (35)), while Melbourne Victory average 30.8 (youngest: N. Velupillay (24), oldest: A. Traoré (36)). 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
Wellington Phoenix's starters average 11 league appearances each, versus 8 for Melbourne Victory. 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, Wellington Phoenix have recorded 0 wins, 2 draws and 4 defeats. Melbourne Victory show 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 losses from their last 6 outings.
Wellington Phoenix
Melbourne Victory
Head to Head
Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne Victory have met 2 times — Wellington Phoenix won 0, Melbourne Victory won 2, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. Melbourne Victory leads the head-to-head with 2 victories from 2 meetings. A combined 11 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 5.50 per match (3 for the home side, 8 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 2 matches (100%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 2 games (100%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 5–1 in 2025.
0
Wellington Phoenix
0
Drawn
2
Melbourne Victory
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 15 Mar 2026