The Wellington Phoenix faced another challenging day on the pitch during their recent A-League derby against Auckland FC, suffering a heavy defeat by 6-1 at Go Media Stadium. The highly anticipated match on February 22, 2025, showcased both fan fervor and unfortunate incidents for the visiting team, which may have contributed to their overall underwhelming performance.
Before the match kicked off, Auckland supporters took the opportunity to express their rivalry, surrounding the Wellington Phoenix team bus as it approached the stadium. This led to delays, with Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano noting post-game, "We were 15 minutes late, and we were talking about having a delay of the game. It’s probably something no one anticipated would happen." He also pointed out the lack of security, stating, "I just thought there was a lack of security, which I thought was a little bit unprofessional." Although this incident was minor, it reflected the intense atmosphere surrounding New Zealand's derby.
The actual game, attended by 27,009 fans, started on what Italiano called “a strange game.” Initially pleased with his team’s play in the first half-hour, he observed, “I thought we had some good moments,” before things quickly unraveled. The first goal against Wellington came as a shock, with Italiano admitting, "I don’t even know how the first goal got scored. It wasn’t good defending." The Phoenix proceeded to completely lose focus for ten minutes, leading to three quick goals by Auckland FC, who capitalized on every defensive misstep.
Reflecting on the performance, Italiano noted, "We lost every second ball, every action," emphasizing the psychological toll of the derby environment. He speculated about how the magnitude of the occasion might have affected his players, admitting, "Maybe it’s the moment and the expectation." His candid analysis indicated underlying frustrations but doubled down on his commitment to the team’s future, stating, "There’s never been a point in the season where I’ve give up. It’s more about motivating the group and making sure they don’t give up." This outlook is significant considering the high stakes as the season progresses.
Despite the heavy defeat, there were some bright spots for the Phoenix. Newcomer Chico Geraldes had a standout debut, with Italiano praising his performance: "I thought Chico was great today. He had licence to come down, pick it up, be the third man." His successful adaptation to the team's dynamics offers hope for improvement as the season continues, particularly as Wellington prepares for their upcoming match against Melbourne City.
Meanwhile, Auckland's head coach, Steve Corica, expressed amusement at the pre-match drama surrounding the Phoenix team's arrival, saying, "Did they? No, I didn’t know about it. But that's quite funny, isn’t it?" His enthusiasm for the match result stood in stark relief to Italiano's more subdued disappointment.
The match report detailed the sequence of goals scored by Auckland. Neyder Moreno took center stage, scoring three times (31', 36', 60'), with Logan Rogerson adding two more (40', 80') and Jesse Randall sealing the victory with his goal at the 90+3 minute mark. Wellington managed to find the back of the net with Luke Brooke-Smith's effort just after halftime, but the goal came too late to impact the flow of the match. The performance led many to question Wellington's readiness and composure as they navigate the demanding A-League season.
Italiano's remarks about the psychological aspects of the match point to the broader challenges his squad faces. The pressure of such high-stakes matches can weigh heavily, leading to lapses in form and focus. Only time will tell if the Phoenix can rally back from this demoralising defeat and maintain their drive through the remainder of the season.
The Phoenix will need to channel their frustrations and regroup quickly as they look forward to their next match against Melbourne City. With the stakes growing as the season enters its final stretch, every point counts, and the team must find ways to learn from their past mistakes and translate them effectively onto the field.