Match Summary
Wellington Phoenix defeated Sydney 2:1. The match was played in A-League 2023. Goals were scored by R. Mak 6′, H. Matthews 54′ (o.g.), K. Barbarouses 69′. 2 yellow cards were shown. Wellington Phoenix had 43% possession while Sydney held 57%. Wellington Phoenix had 12 shots (5 on target) compared to 18 (7 on target) for Sydney. Wellington Phoenix made 3 substitutions, Sydney made 4. VAR was involved: Goal cancelled (Jordan Courtney-Perkins 30′), Goal confirmed (Nicholas Pennington 56′).
Match Events
Key match events between Wellington Phoenix and Sydney — 3 goals and 2 cards recorded during the match.
assist: A. Cáceres
Own Goal
assist: Y. Salas
Match Statistics
Wellington Phoenix had 43% possession against Sydney's 57%. Wellington Phoenix registered 12 shots (5 on target) while Sydney managed 18 (7 on target). Corner kicks: 6–7. Fouls committed: 7–12.
Lineups
Wellington Phoenix lined up in a 5-3-2 formation under G. Italiano, while Sydney deployed a 4-2-3-1 under U. Talay.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Wellington Phoenix is 6.77, compared to 6.60 for Sydney. 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 Sydney's best-rated player is R. Grant (6.74).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Wellington Phoenix have contributed 5 goals and 4 assists this season, led by I. Hughes (2G). Sydney's starters account for 0 goals and 1 assists, spearheaded by —. 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 5 defenders rated 6.55 on average, against Sydney's 4-man backline averaging 6.62. 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 3 midfielders averaging 7.21, versus Sydney's 5 rated 6.57. 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 1 for Sydney 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 —% for Sydney. 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 10 yellow cards this season, compared to 3 for Sydney. 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 28.0 (youngest: I. Hughes (21), oldest: K. Barbarouses (35)), while Sydney average 26.3 (youngest: C. Hollman (22), oldest: R. Grant (34)). 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 9 league appearances each, versus 10 for Sydney. 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. Sydney show 3 wins, 1 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
Wellington Phoenix
Sydney
Head to Head
Wellington Phoenix and Sydney have met 2 times — Wellington Phoenix won 1, Sydney 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 (2 for the home side, 1 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
Wellington Phoenix
0
Drawn
1
Sydney
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 15 Mar 2026