Match Summary
Melbourne Victory defeated Wellington Phoenix 3:2. The match was played in A-League 2024. Goals were scored by N. Velupillay 4′, C. Piper 10′, Z. Machach 45′, N. Vergos 50′, P. Retre 75′. 2 yellow cards were shown. Wellington Phoenix had 45% possession while Melbourne Victory held 55%. Wellington Phoenix had 7 shots (2 on target) compared to 22 (10 on target) for Melbourne Victory. Wellington Phoenix made 5 substitutions, Melbourne Victory made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne Victory — 5 goals and 2 cards recorded during the match.
assist: D. Arzani
assist: S. Sutton
assist: N. Velupillay
assist: T. Payne
Match Statistics
Wellington Phoenix had 45% possession against Melbourne Victory's 55%. Wellington Phoenix registered 7 shots (2 on target) while Melbourne Victory managed 22 (10 on target). Corner kicks: 5–9. Fouls committed: 9–8.
Lineups
Wellington Phoenix lined up in a 4-3-2-1 formation under G. Italiano, while Melbourne Victory deployed a 4-2-3-1 under A. Diles.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Wellington Phoenix is 6.69, compared to 6.87 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 L. Jackson (7.05).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Wellington Phoenix have contributed 7 goals and 7 assists this season, led by I. Hughes (2G). Melbourne Victory's starters account for 8 goals and 5 assists, spearheaded by N. Vergos (5G). 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 4 defenders rated 6.55 on average, against Melbourne Victory's 4-man backline averaging 6.98. 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 6.79, versus Melbourne Victory's 5 rated 6.80. 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 1 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 1 for Melbourne Victory averaging 6.79. 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 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 11 yellow cards this season, compared to 10 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 27.7 (youngest: I. Hughes (21), oldest: K. Barbarouses (35)), while Melbourne Victory average 27.0 (youngest: J. Rawlins (21), oldest: Roderick Miranda (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 12 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