Wellington Return to the Top of A-League Men ladder with Comeback Win Over Sydney FC

Wellington reclaimed the top spot in the A-League Men ladder following a thrilling 2-1 victory against Sydney FC, with Kosta Barbarouses stealing the show against his former team. The match saw the hosts capitalizing on two crucial video assistant referee (VAR) decisions to extend their unbeaten streak at Auckland’s Eden Park to an impressive 12 games.

Barbarouses, the Phoenix forward, emerged as the match-winner with his 11th goal of the season, bringing him closer to his personal record of 15 goals scored during the 2018-19 season with Melbourne Victory. His goal also lifted him to fifth place in the A-League Men’s all-time goal-scoring charts, surpassing Archie Thompson.

Reflecting on his impressive form, Barbarouses acknowledged the increased responsibility on his shoulders to deliver goals, especially with the absence of teammate Oskar Zawada. Sydney FC, previously unbeaten in eight matches, took an early lead through striker Robert Mak but eventually succumbed to Wellington’s relentless pressure in the second half.

Barbarouses had an opportunity to equalize early in the game but was denied by Sydney FC goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne. Despite Sydney’s strong start, Wellington’s determination shone through as they pushed forward, eventually finding the equalizer through an own goal.

The decisive moment arrived in the 69th minute when Barbarouses produced a moment of brilliance, dribbling past defenders before unleashing a left-footed strike to secure the win for Wellington. The victory not only reaffirmed Wellington’s position at the top of the table but also guaranteed them a spot in the semi-finals, according to Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano.

Italiano praised his team’s resilience and tactical adjustments, crediting their ability to break through Sydney’s defense and create multiple scoring opportunities. The match, witnessed by a lively crowd of 18,002 fans, showcased Wellington’s fighting spirit and ability to overcome adversity to emerge victorious.

With this significant win, Wellington continues to showcase their title credentials in the A-League Men, while Barbarouses cements his status as one of the competition’s most lethal goal-scorers. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this performance and maintain their standing in the league standings.