The NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers have drawn 1-1 with the Wellington Phoenix on Saturday night at Westpac Stadium.
An opening goal by Wanderer Brendon Santalab was cancelled out in the 75th minute by Phoenix substitute Matija Ljujic, who earned his side a point in the two sides first meeting this Hyundai A-League season.
The Wanderers got off to a great start dominating possession and creating a number of chances.
During the spell of possession, the Red & Black found the opener through Santalab who smashed home a set piece led by Raul Llorente.
The Red & Black looked to have almost doubled their lead when seconds later Mark Bridge was left in a one-on-one with Lewis Italiano only for his shot to go wide.
Vedran Janjetovic was called into action at the other end and palmed away a powerful shot from substitute Nathan Burns.
The home side found the equaliser through Ljujic who fired from distance, guiding his snap shot by Janjetovic.
The Wanderers pushed to pull one back and a cross across the face of the goal by Steven Lustica looked to be the Red & Black’s best chance of the second half.
Brendan Hamill was handed his second yellow card with the Wanderers dropping to ten men in the final three minutes of the match.
The Wanderers and the Phoenix settled on a 1-1 draw at Westpac Stadium with the Red & Black now switching their focus to next Friday night’s double header against Melbourne Victory.
