Match Summary
Wellington Phoenix defeated Adelaide United 3:2. The match was played in A-League 2023. Goals were scored by B. Old 34′, L. Jovanović 60′ (pen.), O. van Hattum 69′, B. Old 78′, H. Ibusuki 90′. 3 yellow cards were shown. Wellington Phoenix had 50% possession while Adelaide United held 50%. Wellington Phoenix had 15 shots (5 on target) compared to 23 (6 on target) for Adelaide United. Wellington Phoenix made 5 substitutions, Adelaide United made 4. VAR was involved: Goal confirmed (Benjamin Old 36′).
Match Events
Key match events between Wellington Phoenix and Adelaide United — 5 goals and 3 cards recorded during the match.
assist: T. Payne
Penalty
assist: S. Wootton
assist: R. Kitto
Match Statistics
Wellington Phoenix had 50% possession against Adelaide United's 50%. Wellington Phoenix registered 15 shots (5 on target) while Adelaide United managed 23 (6 on target). Corner kicks: 7–6. Fouls committed: 10–11.
Lineups
Wellington Phoenix lined up in a 3-5-2 formation under G. Italiano, while Adelaide United deployed a 4-4-1-1 under C. Veart.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Wellington Phoenix is 6.82, compared to 6.96 for Adelaide United. 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 Adelaide United's best-rated player is P. Kikianis (7.16).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Wellington Phoenix have contributed 2 goals and 4 assists this season, led by A. Rufer (2G). Adelaide United's starters account for 9 goals and 7 assists, spearheaded by L. Jovanović (6G). 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 Adelaide United's 4-man backline averaging 7.16. 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 5 midfielders averaging 6.83, versus Adelaide United's 4 rated 6.92. 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 2 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 2 for Adelaide United averaging 6.84. 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 60% for Adelaide United. 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 7 yellow cards this season, compared to 9 for Adelaide United. 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 26.7 (youngest: L. Kelly-Heald (20), oldest: T. Payne (31)), while Adelaide United average 23.2 (youngest: P. Kikianis (20), oldest: S. Mauk (30)). 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 14 league appearances each, versus 13 for Adelaide United. 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. Adelaide United show 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 losses from their last 6 outings.
Wellington Phoenix
Adelaide United
Head to Head
Wellington Phoenix and Adelaide United have met 3 times — Wellington Phoenix won 1, Adelaide United won 0, 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 (5 for the home side, 4 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.
1
Wellington Phoenix
2
Drawn
0
Adelaide United
Recent Meetings (3)
API data: 15 Mar 2026