Wellington Phoenix ended their three-match losing streak with a thrilling 2-1 victory against Newcastle Jets at Sky Stadium on December 28, 2024. The match proved pivotal as the Phoenix secured their first home win of the season, providing some much-needed relief for the team struggling under mounting pressure.
The game kicked off with Wellington attacking swiftly, and just two minutes in, striker Kosta Barbarouses struck first. Capitalizing on a wayward pass from Jets defender Mark Natta, Barbarouses spotted Newcastle goalkeeper Ryan Scott off his line. He unleashed a remarkable shot from the center circle, watching it sail over the head of Scott and settle firmly in the net. This breathtaking goal marked the 99th of Barbarouses' prolific A-League career.
Despite the early setback, Newcastle didn’t falter. The Jets dominated possession for much of the half, pushing hard for equalizers. They unleashed 13 shots on goal, forcing Phoenix goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi to make several impressive saves. Oluwayemi's interventions included blocking shots from striker Eli Adams and Kiwi Lachlan Bayliss as the home side weathered significant pressure.
Wellington's backline had to hold steady amid relentless attacks, especially as Newcastle earned multiple corners. Coach Giancarlo Italiano had to rally his players as they struggled to maintain their slender lead. Barbarouses' early goal, though spectacular, did little to ease their nerves.
The second half began with Phoenix finding their rhythm, and they soon struck again. Midfielder Paulo Retre, who had recently transitioned to the Phoenix from another club, found the net with his first goal for the team. The goal came when he blasted the ball from the edge of the penalty box, zipping it past defenders and past Scott to double Wellington's lead. This goal held special significance for the Phoenix, as it came shortly after they had taken control of the match.
Newcastle Jets refused to back down and, after continued pressure, found their way back onto the scoreboard. It was 72 minutes when Ben Gibson, who had previously lit up the scoresheet against Perth, managed to find the net from close range, turning in the ball after deflections from Thomas Aquilina’s low cross.
With the match now tense, the Jets surged forward seeking to equalize. Newcastle's Gibson was particularly menacing, nearly scoring another minutes later when his shot was tipped around the post by Oluwayemi. The final minutes saw both teams battling fiercely as the Jets pushed but failed to find the elusive equalizer.
Captain Alex Rufer reflected on the match, stating, “We’ve obviously had a few disappointing performances over the past few weeks, so today’s goal was to win. We did do it, and I’m really happy and pleased. We’ve still got a lot to work on, but the most important thing was we got three points.” His statement encapsulated the relief felt by the team after such difficult recent performances.
Wellington's win keeps them solidly mid-table as they prepare to face Melbourne City next, with the momentum of this victory likely boosting their confidence. The Phoenix’s attacking strategy, paired with tight defensive plays from Oluwayemi and the backline, turned the tide to secure them this important victory, all orchestrated under the watchful eye of their second-year coach, Giancarlo Italiano.
The match concluded with Wellington Phoenix taking the three points, leaving the Jets to grapple with their failed attempts to secure more from the game. This victory not only marked the end of Wellington's recent woes but also rekindled hopes of making it to the playoffs if they maintain the upward momentum.
Wellington Phoenix 2 (Kosta Barbarouses 2′, Paulo Retre 59′) defeated Newcastle Jets 1 (Ben Gibson 73′).
