Victory Seize Momentum in Rivalry With Phoenix After Gritty 3-2 Win

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Melbourne Victory claimed bragging rights in their growing rivalry with Wellington Phoenix on Saturday, grinding out a 3-2 win at Sky Stadium in a pulsating A-League Men encounter.

The result marked just Victory’s third win in their past eight meetings with Phoenix and broke a head-to-head deadlock between the two sides.

Victory seized the initiative early through Socceroos winger Nishan Velupillay, while goals from Zinedine Machach and Nikolaos Vergos helped the visitors withstand a spirited second-half comeback led by Phoenix’s Paulo Retre.

Wellington head coach Giancarlo Italiano was left ruing defensive lapses, describing the manner of the goals conceded as “unacceptable.”

“I don’t mind losing when we’re outplayed,” Italiano said post-match. “But we handed them three goals today. The first was poor defending, the corner was poorly defended, and the third—Vergos runs 50 meters unchallenged—that just can’t happen.”

Vergos’s solo effort five minutes into the second half, where he surged from his own half to score, epitomized Victory’s clinical edge on the night. Italiano questioned the response of his defensive unit.

“We had six players around the ball. We could’ve fouled, taken a yellow—do something. You can’t allow that space and time.”

Despite the defensive breakdowns, Italiano praised his side’s resilience.

“We didn’t give up, and that’s a positive. With a little more polish, maybe we score a third or even a fourth.”

Phoenix kept the same starting lineup that edged Newcastle Jets 2-1, while Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues and Lachlan Candy made way on the bench for Fin Roa Conchie and Jayden Smith.

First-Half Fireworks

Melbourne opened the scoring in the fourth minute when Velupillay latched onto a loose ball and calmly slotted home. Phoenix answered quickly with a well-worked move finished by Corban Piper—his third goal of the season—leveling the scoreline just six minutes later.

Victory reclaimed the lead on the stroke of halftime through Machach, who nodded home their ninth corner of the half, capitalizing on Wellington’s struggles defending set pieces.

Before the break, Phoenix had a chance to pull level, but Isaac Hughes fired over after a slick attacking buildup.

Vergos Stunner Silences Sky Stadium

Vergos extended the lead to 3-1 early in the second half with a stunning individual goal, gliding past defenders before firing home from the edge of the area via the post.

Italiano responded with a triple substitution, introducing Retre, Luke Brooke-Smith and Lukas Kelly-Heald. The decision paid off quickly as Retre found the top corner with a precise first-time finish in the 75th minute. Unfortunately, he suffered a hamstring injury in the process and was subbed off moments later.

Phoenix pushed forward in the dying stages, with Piper nearly equalizing in the 90th minute with a glancing header that flew just over the bar. Despite sustained pressure and several late corners, Victory held firm.

Looking Ahead

The Phoenix now travel to face Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium on Good Friday, looking to bounce back and solidify their top-six position.

Final Score:
Wellington Phoenix 2 – 3 Melbourne Victory

Goals:

• MEL: Nishan Velupillay (4’), Zinedine Machach (45+1’), Nikolaos Vergos (50’)

• WEL: Corban Piper (10’), Paulo Retre (75’)

Yellow Cards:

• MEL: Lachlan Jackson (57’), Brendan Hamill (78’)