Match Summary
Auckland defeated Wellington Phoenix 2:1. The match was played in A-League 2024. Goals were scored by I. Hughes 31′ (o.g.), N. Pijnaker 70′, K. Barbarouses 82′. 6 yellow cards were shown. Auckland had 50% possession while Wellington Phoenix held 50%. Auckland had 20 shots (4 on target) compared to 6 (3 on target) for Wellington Phoenix. Auckland made 4 substitutions, Wellington Phoenix made 4.
Match Events
Key match events between Auckland and Wellington Phoenix — 3 goals and 6 cards recorded during the match.
Own Goal
assist: H. Sakai
assist: A. Rufer
Match Statistics
Auckland had 50% possession against Wellington Phoenix's 50%. Auckland registered 20 shots (4 on target) while Wellington Phoenix managed 6 (3 on target). Corner kicks: 4–4. Fouls committed: 14–18.
Lineups
Auckland lined up in a 4-4-2 formation under S. Corica, while Wellington Phoenix deployed a 3-5-2 under G. Italiano.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Auckland is 6.77, compared to 6.73 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. Auckland's highest-rated starter is F. de Vries (7.38), while Wellington Phoenix's best-rated player is A. Rufer (7.21).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Auckland have contributed 7 goals and 14 assists this season, led by G. May (3G). Wellington Phoenix's starters account for 6 goals and 4 assists, spearheaded by I. Hughes (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
Auckland deploy 4 defenders rated 6.96 on average, against Wellington Phoenix's 3-man backline averaging 6.66. 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
Auckland field 4 midfielders averaging 6.68, versus Wellington Phoenix's 5 rated 6.81. 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
Auckland start 2 forward(s) averaging 6.67, compared to 2 for Wellington Phoenix averaging 6.53. 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 Auckland 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
Auckland's starters have collected 12 yellow cards this season, compared to 11 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 Auckland's starting XI is 27.4 (youngest: L. Gillion (23), oldest: F. Gallegos (34)), while Wellington Phoenix average 29.0 (youngest: I. Hughes (21), 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
Auckland's starters average 15 league appearances each, versus 8 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, Auckland have recorded 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeats. Wellington Phoenix show 0 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses from their last 6 outings.
Auckland
Wellington Phoenix
Head to Head
Auckland and Wellington Phoenix have met 3 times — Auckland won 3, Wellington Phoenix won 0, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. Auckland leads the head-to-head with 3 victories from 3 meetings. A combined 12 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 4.00 per match (10 for the home side, 2 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 2 matches (67%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 3 games (100%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Auckland are currently unbeaten in the last 3 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 0–5 in 2026.
3
Auckland
0
Drawn
0
Wellington Phoenix
Recent Meetings (3)
API data: 15 Mar 2026