Melbourne Victory Thrashes Wellington Phoenix 5-1 at AAMI Park

In a striking display of dominance, Melbourne Victory defeated Wellington Phoenix 5-1 at AAMI Park on March 25, 2024. The victory marked a significant low for the Phoenix, who suffered their fifth loss of the season, further intensifying the pressure on head coach Giancarlo Italiano.

The match began disastrously for Wellington, as they were forced to field 18-year-old goalkeeper Eamonn McCarron due to an injury to regular starter Josh Oluwayemi. Just seven minutes into the game, Melbourne’s Nikos Vergos opened the scoring with a header, showcasing his aerial prowess after being set up by Nishan Velupillay.

Wellington managed to equalize in the 29th minute when Ramy Najjarine capitalized on a mistake by veteran defender Jason Davidson. Davidson’s heavy touch allowed Najjarine to snatch the ball and score, bringing temporary hope to the Phoenix. However, Melbourne quickly restored their lead just three minutes before halftime, with Vergos striking again.

Victory’s Dominance and Vergos’ Hat-Trick

Vergos completed his hat-trick early in the second half, netting a right-footed shot from near the penalty spot. This goal effectively sealed the match in favor of the home team. Brazilian winger Clarismario Santos then joined the scoring spree, taking advantage of another Phoenix error in the 55th minute. Najjarine’s misplaced pass led to a swift counterattack, culminating in Santos’ first-time shot that found the back of the net.

The match continued to unravel for Wellington when Santos had a goal disallowed after a VAR review indicated that Vergos was offside in the build-up. Compounding their troubles, captain Alex Rufer limped off the field due to a knee injury, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming match against Brisbane Roar on Saturday.

In the final moments of the match, Keegan Jelacic added a fifth goal for Melbourne, rounding McCarron and sealing a comprehensive victory. This win represents Melbourne’s largest margin against Wellington since a 6-1 victory in 2016, with Vergos’ hat-trick marking a personal milestone after 40 appearances in the A-League.

Looking Ahead for Wellington Phoenix

Following this defeat, Wellington Phoenix will need to regroup quickly. The team is now facing a challenging schedule, with their next match against third-placed Brisbane Roar just days away. As they prepare for this crucial encounter, the fitness of Rufer and the return of Oluwayemi will be pivotal.

The Phoenix previously secured a 2-1 victory against Brisbane in their earlier meeting, providing a glimmer of hope as they aim to reverse their fortunes. The upcoming match will also feature a double-header with the Phoenix women’s team, adding extra significance to the fixture.

Melbourne Victory’s emphatic win serves as a reminder of their competitive edge in the league, while Wellington Phoenix must address their defensive vulnerabilities and find a way to bounce back.