Wellington Phoenix snapped their long home win drought with a spirited 2–1 upset over Adelaide United at Sky Stadium, answering coach Giancarlo Italiano’s call for greater intensity after a run of poor form.
Alex Rufer opened the scoring early from a corner before a second-half penalty to Ramy Najjarine briefly brought Adelaide level, only for a controversial overturned penalty moments later to shift momentum back to the hosts.
Adelaide substitute Ben Garrucchio pulled one back, but a superb late save from Josh Oluwayemi preserved the victory.
The result, Phoenix’s first home win since October, gives them confidence heading into next weekend’s NZ derby against Auckland FC.
